Bellies in the dog
We talk about ascites when too much fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity of the dog. This is a great discomfort for the animal; intensive vomiting and appetite disorders also occur. The lower abdomen is caused by various causes, so it is impossible to clearly identify the best method of treatment. Everything depends on the specific case and the needs of the sick individual.
Bellies occur in both dogs and cats. In the following text, however, we will look at the cases of dogs - their causes, risks and possible treatments.
Bellies in the dog
A dog suffering from ascites can communicate in many ways. First of all, there is weakness and lack of energy, sometimes even turning into a state of lethargy and apathy. There are big fluctuations in body weight - your dog can rape to gain and lose weight. In extreme cases even anorexia occurs.
Dog lower abdomen - causes
Fluids can accumulate in the abdomen for many different reasons. These include ailments such as abdominal cancer, abdominal bleeding, as well as damage to certain internal organs such as the liver and bladder. This can also be caused by low blood protein levels. The accumulation of fluids in the abdomen is also the result of heart failure. The kidney syndrome is also often present.
Bellies in the dog - prognosis
In order to identify the causes of the ailments and to determine the appropriate treatment, it is necessary to carry out appropriate diagnostic tests first. To do this, your doctor takes samples of fluid from your dog's abdomen. Morphology and urine analysis are also carried out. In some cases, X-rays are useful.
Of course, all other symptoms are taken into account when making a diagnosis - not only the results of the tests. This is the only way to determine whether the fluid accumulating in the abdomen is the result of liver or bladder damage, heart failure or any other cause. Only after the nature of the problem has been clearly defined can decisions be made regarding further treatment.
Bellies in the dog - treatment
There is no single standard treatment for ascites in your dog. Everything depends on the specific problem and its causes. Often the first step is to remove the accumulated fluid from the abdomen. This is very important, especially when a lot of it has accumulated, which means a lot of discomfort to the animal.
In some cases surgical treatment is required. This method is used primarily for the treatment of tumors present in the abdomen. The operation will also be necessary if there is a strong bleeding in the abdomen that needs to be controlled.
Various medications are also used to treat ascites. Their selection depends, of course, on the specific type of disease. Antibiotics are used for ascites resulting from bacterial infection. Each treatment with medication carries the risk of a further weakening of the dog's body. It is therefore very important to select the right measures to minimise this risk.
Prevention
Preventing ascites is quite difficult, because there are many different factors that can cause them. Of course, you can limit some of these factors, such as damage to organs in the abdominal cavity. Don't keep your dog in tight spaces and remember that it's very bad for your dog's health and can lead to serious injuries. During walks you should be careful not to accidentally damage your dog's body - such injuries often lead to internal hemorrhages.