Ascites in Dog and its Preventive Measures

Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal sac of the dog. It is caused by a wide variety of factors such as hypoproteinemia, protein losing enteropathy, heavy parasitic infection, hepatic failure, starvation, right sided or biventricular congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, abdominal neoplasmea etc. Signs and Symptoms of Ascites in Dog 1. Loss of appetite and reduced body weight 2. Poor general condition of the body 3 Rough body hair coats 4. Dog show dullness and depression 5. Low body temperatures 6. Mucous membrane of the eyes become pale and anaemic 7. Abdominaldistension andbody ribs appeared prominent 8. Diarrhoea and black coloured stools 9. Difficulty in breathing Some Steps to Prevent Ascites in Dog 1. Reduce salt intake in the diet of your dog 2. Provide well nutritious diet of high protein content with supplement of liver tonics and vitamin Bcomplex 3. Regular deworming of your dog with the right dosage of anthelmintic The owner should immediately consult a Veterinarian or visit the Veterinary Health Centres along with the affected dog in case of any of the above mentioned signs and symptoms when observed for early diagnosis and proper treatment. Veterinary Hospital Kohima