What causes ascites and fluid in my young puppy's abdomen?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on

  Oh dear! Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen) is a clinical sign of a bigger disease condition. Some possible causes of ascites include right-sided heart failure, liver failure, portosystemic shunts, and cancer (unlikely given her age). Congenital/inherited conditions are more likely causes given Jenny's young age. Your vet will be able to perform an analysis of the fluid, or preferably send it out to the lab, so that the type of fluid present can be determined. If a heart murmur or changes on chest x-rays are seen, heart failure is more likely the cause of her ascites. Blood testing will also be helpful to raise of lower suspicion of liver diseases or shunts. I hope that all goes well for Jenny!

  

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  Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

  Published on January 9th, 2018

  The most common reasons for a dog to develop ascites include a low blood protein level (which would show up on blood work), a problem with the liver or a problem with the heart. There are a number of other causes as well, but a slightly high creatinine is not a cause of ascites. The next step that we will often perform to help diagnose a cause of ascites is to perform x-rays of the chest and abdomen. That may give us an idea about the heart and liver. If those results are inconclusive, we may then perform an ultrasound of the heart (called an echocardiogram) and and ultrasound of the abdomen. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that you find the source of Rootal's problem soon so he can feel better. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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