My dog has a big belly with fluid. Should I get a second opinion?

Fluid accumulation in the abdomen is often secondary to heart disease (valvular disease, heart worms, cardiomyopathy) ..or...some type of malignancy. Tumors in the abdominal cavity can sometimes be associated with fluid build up. It is important to do some additional diagnostic tests. Survey radiographs to start, then it may be advised to move on to an ultrasound....either of the heart or if the abdomen depending on radiograph findings. The ultrasound can be particularly helpful in cases like this where fluid accumulation reduces the ability to see vital structures on radiographs. This most likely had nothing to do with a case of overeating. There is likely some disease process that has been going on for some time. I hope you can get some answers soon. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Without a hands-on exam I really cannot say much about the peeing. It is quite possible that the excess fluid in the abdomen (often a sign of liver disease, cushing's disease, heart disease and tumors) could be pressing on the bladder and so hinder urination. An exploratory surgery will lay open the abdominal content and your vet will be able to immediately tell what your dog's problem is and possibly why he has ascites (fluid in the abdomen). Without seeing the results of the tests I also cannot tell you what your veterinarian may suspect, however since he wants to do an exploratry laparotomy he is likely suspecting a problem with the liver. The bloating is actually an expansion of the abdomen caused by the fluid. I am sorry about your dog being so sick. I would say an exploratory laparotomy is likely the best way to find out what is wrong with your dog.

Hello, sorry to hear about Prince. It sounds like he may have right sided heart disease in which the blood backs up into his veins and the vascular fluid begins to leak out of the vessels. This generally leads to fluid in the belly causing abdominal distention, fluid in the chest, and subcutaneous fluid. Other causes of 3rd spacing can be associated with a low protein level either due to liver disease or loss of protein through the kidneys or bowel. It sounds like prince needs to have a full evaluation of his vital organs and this may include bloodwork, an abdominal ultrasound, a heart ultrasound, and blood pressure monitoring. Ultimately, Prince may need to be evaluated by his veterinarian or an internist to determine why he is having fluid accumulation outside of his vasculature. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Poor Rocky! It sounds like he is in both right and left sided heart failure. With right-sided heart failure fluid builds up in the abdomen. In some cases we could actually remove this fluid through inserting a needle in the abdomen under the guidance of an ultrasound. Your veterinarian may be able to do this for you and I would discuss this with them. While we know that the fluid will build back up it often provides comfort/relief to the animal. I recommend calling your veterinarian to discuss what can be done to make sure Rocky is comfortable as the fluid is not getting resorbed on its own.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Kane. Fluid in a body cavity could be blood, body fluid, pus from an infection, lymphatic fluid (chyle). Probably not blood since you said the bloodwork was normal. If bleeding occurred Kane would most likely have a lower than normal red blood cell count. Possible causes include liver disease, heart failure, heart base tumor, low protein levels in the blood secondary to liver disease or protein loss into the intestinal tract or through the kidneys (kidney disease), tumor, pancreatitis, leaking of urine from the urinary system, bile leakage, intestinal perforation (hole in the intestinal tract), foreign body, among a few other causes. Your vet can perform an abdominocentesis (stick a needle into the abdomen) and collect some of the fluid and have it analyzed and cultured if needed. Once a diagnosis is made a treatment plan can be put into place. An echocardiogram of the heart may be needed to evaluate the heart for a problem or tumor. I wish you the best of luck with Kane.

It could be that he is accumulating some fluid in his abdomen. This could be from low protein, cancer, liver disease or heart disease. It could also be that his liver or another internal organ such as his spleen is markedly enlarged. Or, it could be nothing, and he's just changed the way he carries some of his weight over time and there is not an issue. The only way to find out is to take him to the vet. Since he's acting normal and otherwise doing well, and you can't afford it right now, I don't think you need to stress too much over it. When its possible financially , get him to the vet. If he starts to show any symptoms of illness, make it a priority to get him in as soon as you can. thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Unfortunately fatty changes to the liver and gas in the intestines are non specific changes that can be seen with many disease processes and are unlikely to be a primary problem. A liver aspirate or biopsy could give more information about what could be causing a fatty appearance. If Auro is still having symptoms I'd recommend talking to your veterinarian about any additional diagnostics that could be recommended.