Ascites are not a disease, but a consequence of a painful condition. Quite dangerous, I must say, since it can lead to death. Therefore, when the symptoms are first detected, the veterinarian should be urgently contacted. And it is better not to risk and not try to help the dog at home with folk remedies-the treatment of ascites in dogs should be qualified.
What are the causes of ascites in dogs?
In fact, there can be a lot of reasons for this state. For example, fluid can accumulate due to trauma or diseases of internal organs - the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs. Also, the cause may be a violation of the water-salt balance, excess sodium in food.
Dropsy can occur with peritonitis, tumors, a violation of protein metabolism, exhaustion or, conversely, obesity, in the presence of chronic diseases. As you can see, it is very difficult to determine the cause independently, and with improper treatment one can aggravate the condition and not save the animal.
Symptoms of ascites in dogs:
- problems with the digestive tract - diarrhea , vomiting ;
- sluggish or, on the contrary, excessive appetite;
- drowsiness, apathy, weakness;
- changing behavior of the dog: more cautious movements, reluctance to move and run, heavy breathing;
- rapid pulse;
- change in color of mucous membranes (icterus or cyanosis);
- tarnishing of wool, its stalling, entanglement.
But the main external sign, which is difficult to confuse with other diseases - bloated stomach. Although some owners may think that the dog is pregnant, overeaten or just recovered. To check the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity is easy: put the dog on his back - if the stomach became a "frog", that is, flowed to the sides, this clearly speaks of ascites.
How to help a dog with ascites?
The best thing you can do is take the pet to the vet. Do this immediately, even if the dog feels fine.
How much the dogs live in ascites depends on age: young individuals tolerate the treatment more easily and for them the prognosis is favorable, whereas for older dogs with weakened health the outcome is disappointing. And yet, the earlier treatment is started, the more chances for recovery.
The fluid from the peritoneum is removed medically with light forms and surgically in more advanced cases. This may be a cavitary operation, or puncture and pumping out the fluid. But the most important is the treatment of the underlying disease that caused the dropsy.