Symptoms & Treatments for Canine Ascites: A Comprehensi

Symptoms

The dog's body temperature is generally normal, ranging from 37.5 to 39 degrees Celsius. However, the heart rate increases significantly, often exceeding 180 beats per minute. The dog may experience minimal urination, decreased appetite, and a lack of energy. The abdominal circumference may expand, leading to bloating that sounds like a drum. Breathing difficulties may also arise. In the early stages of ascites, the abdomen may appear sagging. As the fluid accumulates, the abdominal wall becomes tense, resembling a drum, and a dull sound is heard when tapped. Palpation of the abdomen reveals a distinct波动 sensation.

Treatment

1. Gently lift the dog by its hind legs and invert it to shift the abdominal contents forward. Disinfect the skin at the central line between the navel and the pubic bone on either side with 75% alcohol. Sterilize an 18gauge needle with a flame and cool it before inserting it vertically into the skin about 5 centimeters deep. Place the dog on its side, allowing the needle to face downward, and slowly release the fluid while pressing on the abdomen to increase pressure. This will expel a slightly fishytasting, pale yellow liquid. After removing the needle, apply an alcohol swab to the puncture site.

2. Administer an intramuscular injection of 10 to 25 milligrams of furosemide (速尿) based on the dog's weight, along with 0.5 to 1 milligram of dexamethasone and 0.1 to 0.2 grams of vitamin C. Dilute ceftriaxone sodium with sterile water and inject 10 to 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight intramuscularly. Also, inject 0.1 to 0.3 grams of sodium anhydrous caffeine as a central nervous system stimulant. Give these medications twice daily for three consecutive days. On the fourth day, start oral furosemide tablets at a dose of 20 to 40 milligrams, taken for four days. In severe cases, add mannitol intravenous injections at a dose of 0.1 to 0.2 grams per kilogram of body weight, administered for two days. If the dog experiences recurrent and large amounts of ascites during treatment, intermittent abdominal fluid drainage may be necessary.

It is crucial not to drain ascites completely in one session, as this can lead to intestinal adhesions. The rate of fluid removal should be slow to prevent rapid return of blood that has been compressed outside the heart and abdomen. This sudden influx can cause rapid dilation and congestion of small arteries and capillaries, potentially leading to cerebral anemia and even death in the dog.