Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog has belly fluid and high creatinine. Is it serious? What's next?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 7 months old

He is having Ascites fluid in abdomen also in his blood work his creatinine came 4.1 and normal range of creatinine is 0.5 to 1.6 and his value were 4.1 so what does that mean ? Also what its treatment can it be cure or is it life threatening?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on March 12th, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. With an elevated kidney value (creatinine) and fluid in the abdomen, I would be worried about protein loss (albumin) through the kidneys, resulting in decreased oncotic pressure within the vessels of the body. This is called a protein-losing nephropathy (PLN). This can result in fluid leakage out of the vessels and into the abdomen. But, without knowing what the type of fluid is in the belly, it is difficult to know what the true cause is. The best option would be to have a sample of this fluid analyzed, and an ultrasound of his abdomen to be performed, and a urinalysis + urine protein:creatinine ratio performed. A creatinine of 4.1 is quite high, so Ludo likely has a component of acute kidney injury. He would benefit from further workup by a veterinarian to best understand his underlying disease process, and therefore what his prognosis is. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Ludo!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored