Clinico Diagnostic Aspects of Hepatogenic Ascites in Dogs

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the occurrence and causes of ascites in dogs. Out of 4704 dogs screened during the study period 48 dogs were found positive for ascites.  Among 48 ascitic dogs, 21 dogs had ascites due to hepatic origin (43.75%). Age wise occurrence was higher in dogs aged between 1-4 years. Labrador retriever was most commonly affected breed. Male animals were most commonly affected than females. The major clinical signs recorded were inappetence (66.67%), vomiting (47.61%), melena (42.85%), weight loss (42.85%), pedal edema (38.09%), dark yellowish urination (71.42%) and icterus (38.09%). Out of 21 dogs suffered with ascites of hepatic origin, grade 1 ascites was observed in 2 dogs, grade 2 ascites in 10 dogs and grade 3 ascites was observed in 9 dogs. Haemato biochemical analysis revealed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in haemoglobin, total protein and albumin whereas significant (P<0.05) increase in ALT, AST ALP levels were noticed in affected dogs. Ground glass appearance with loss of serosal details (75%), hepatomegaly (20%) were major abdominal radiographic findings. Sonographic examination revealed anechoic peritoneal fluid in all the dogs (100%). Overall, the findings emphasize that hepatogenic ascites remains a significant clinical condition in dogs and requires a comprehensive diagnostic approach. This includes incorporating haemato-biochemical analysis together with imaging evaluation for identification of hepatic disorders and to enable timely therapeutic intervention.