Fluid in abdomen dog treatment

When the owner finds that the abdomen of the dog that is usually lively and active gradually bulges, moves slowly as if holding a water bag, and even begins to have symptoms of shortness of breath and loss of appetite, it is likely that the dog has ascites. Canine ascites, medically known as peritoneal effusion, refers to the abnormal accumulation of a large amount of fluid in the dog's abdominal cavity. This is by no means a simple small problem, but a disease that requires the owner to pay great attention and intervene in time. ​

The causes of canine ascites are complex and diverse, and each cause may hide a huge threat to the dog's life. Let's start with common heart diseases. When a dog suffers from dilated cardiomyopathy and heart valve disease, the heart cannot effectively pump blood out, resulting in increased venous pressure, and the fluid in the blood is forced to seep into the abdominal cavity, forming ascites. Liver disease is also an important cause of canine ascites. Cirrhosis, hepatitis and other diseases will destroy the normal metabolism and filtration function of the liver, resulting in reduced protein synthesis, reduced blood colloidal osmotic pressure, and fluid will leak into the abdominal cavity. In addition, renal failure caused by kidney disease, which cannot excrete excess water and waste from the body normally, can also cause ascites. In addition to the lesions of these internal organs, some systemic diseases such as hypoproteinemia, tumors, peritonitis, etc. may also be the culprits behind canine ascites. Each cause is like a "time bomb" that may push the dog's health into the abyss at any time. ​

Facing canine ascites, timely and accurate diagnosis is the key first step in treatment. Veterinarians usually conduct a detailed physical examination first, and feel the abnormal fluctuations of the dog's abdomen through palpation to preliminarily determine the presence of ascites. Then, blood tests are an indispensable link. By testing various indicators in the blood, such as liver function, kidney function, electrolytes, protein levels, etc., it can help veterinarians determine whether there is a potential disease. Imaging examinations play an important role in the diagnosis of canine ascites. X-rays can intuitively show the presence and general situation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, while ultrasound examinations can more clearly observe the morphology and structure of the abdominal organs, and determine whether there are tumors, cysts and other lesions, providing a strong basis for etiology diagnosis. Sometimes, in order to further clarify the nature of ascites, the veterinarian will also perform abdominal puncture to extract a small amount of ascites for laboratory analysis to determine whether the ascites is a transudate or an exudate, thereby narrowing the scope of the cause of the disease. Each examination is like "unraveling the mystery" of the dog's condition. Only by accurately finding the cause can an effective treatment plan be formulated. ​

The treatment of canine ascites is a "battle" against time, and it is necessary to formulate personalized treatment strategies according to different causes and the specific conditions of the dog. For ascites caused by heart disease, improving heart function is the top priority. The veterinarian may use diuretics to help the dog excrete excess water in the body and reduce the burden on the heart; at the same time, give cardiotonic drugs to enhance the contractility of the heart and improve the heart's pumping function. In terms of diet, it will be required to strictly limit the dog's salt intake and reduce water retention in the body. For ascites caused by liver disease, the focus of treatment is to protect liver function, use liver-protecting drugs to promote the repair and regeneration of liver cells, and supplement protein to increase blood colloidal osmotic pressure and reduce fluid exudation. If it is caused by kidney disease, in addition to the use of diuretics, corresponding treatment is also required according to the condition of kidney function, and dialysis treatment may be required if necessary. When ascites is caused by a tumor, the situation is more complicated and difficult, and it is usually necessary to combine surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other means for comprehensive treatment. ​

During the treatment process, reducing the pressure in the dog's abdominal cavity is also a crucial link. Abdominal puncture and drainage is one of the commonly used methods. By slowly extracting the effusion in the abdominal cavity, it can quickly relieve the dog's shortness of breath, abdominal distension and other uncomfortable symptoms, allowing the dog to temporarily get rid of the pain caused by ascites. However, abdominal puncture and drainage is not a one-time solution. A large amount of drainage may cause electrolyte disorders and protein loss in the dog's body. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly control the amount and speed of drainage, and closely monitor the dog's physical condition after drainage, and replenish electrolytes and nutrients in time. Every drainage operation is like carefully unloading a heavy "burden" for the dog, both to relieve symptoms and to avoid new risks. ​

In addition to the treatment of the cause and the treatment of ascites, the dog's daily care and nutritional support are also indispensable in the treatment of canine ascites. During the illness, the dog is weak and needs a warm, quiet and comfortable resting environment. The owner can prepare a soft mat for it to avoid squeezing its abdomen. In terms of diet, it is necessary to provide food rich in high-quality protein and easily digestible to help the dog supplement the nutrients needed by the body and enhance resistance. At the same time, strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions to give the dog medicine on time, take the dog back to the hospital for regular check-ups, and pay close attention to changes in the condition. Every detail of care is full of the owner's deep love for the dog, and every check-up carries the owner's earnest hope for the dog's recovery. ​

The treatment of canine ascites is a long and arduous process, which not only tests the dog's physical endurance, but also tests the owner's patience and perseverance. Seeing the once lively and cute dog being tortured by illness, the owner's heart is full of heartache and anxiety. But as long as we don't give up, actively cooperate with the veterinarian for treatment, and give the dog enough love and care, there is hope to help the dog overcome the disease and regain its former vitality. In this "battle" with canine ascites, every life is worth going all out, and every persistence may usher in a miracle.