Clinico-Therapeutic Studies on Canine Ascites

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Date
2022-02-07
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Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Jammu (J&K)
Abstract
The present study was conducted, to study the prevalence and clinical findings associated with ascites in dogs presented at Small Animal OPD of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R. S. Pura campus of SKUAST- Jammu and also in and around Jammu district, during the study period (August 2020-June 2021). Out of a total 2550 presented cases only 21 dogs were found to be affected with ascites making overall prevalence of 0.82 per cent (21/2550). Age wise prevalence of canine ascites was found to be higher in the age group of 2-5 years. Females were found more susceptible to ascites than males. The prevalence of ascites was highest in Labrador, followed by Spitz, German shepherd and least in Golden retrievers. Abdominal distension and fluid thrill were recorded in all ascetic dogs along with other clinical signs such as anorexia, inappetence, pale mucous membrane, tachycardia, respiratory distress and sub cutaneous edema of limbs. The 21 ascitic cases were classified into three causative types: hepatic origin, renal origin and involvement of both cardiac and hepatic system. The haematological changes observed were significantly (p<0.05) lower levels of haemoglobin concentration, PCV, TEC values in all the ascitic cases whereas significantly (p<0.05) higher values of TLC, absolute neutrophilic and lymphocytic count was observed in dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. The biochemical changes observed in dogs with ascites of hepatic origin involved significantly (p<0.05) higher serum activity of ALT, AST and ALP, significantly lowered levels of serum total protein and albumin and BUN. Renal origin ascites had significantly (p<0.05) high serum activity of ALT, AST, ALP, low serum total protein, albumin, very high serum levels of creatinine and BUN. Dogs with ascites of both cardiac and hepatic involvement had significantly (p<0.05) very high serum ALT, ALP activity and lower total protein levels. The ascitic fluid was transudate and modified transudate in nature. The SAAG values were significantly (p<0.05) higher in dogs with ascites due to cardiac and hepatic involvement compared to the ascites of hepatic or renal origin. Altered haematobiochemical parameters were restored by the 45th day of treatment. The present study will support the diagnosis and therapeutic management of canine ascites.
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