CLINICAL AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATION OF ASCITES IN DOGS
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Date
2005
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COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR
Abstract
Study entitled "Clinical and Ultrasonographic Investigation of Ascites in
■ Dogs" was conducted in ten dogs. The study aimed at understanding the
etiopathogenesis of ascites in dogs. The parameters observed were signalment,
history and detailed clinical examination, electrocardiography, ultrasonography of
liver, kidney and heart, course of illness, estimation of haemoglobin concentration
packed cell volume(PCV), total plasma protein, albumin. A: G ratio, liver enzymes
like alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), protein
content in ascitic fluid , ascitic fluid to plasma protein ratio, blood urea nitrogen
(BUN), serum creatinine, sodium and potassium.
Inappetance and lethargy were observed in dogs with liver diseases. Cardiac
palpitation, loud heart sounds and strong femoral pulse were noticed in dogs with
CHF. Non- specific and vague signs were noticed in dogs with nephrotic syndrome.
Deep 'Q' waves in leads I, II and aVF, prolonged 'QRS' duration, S-T slurring, tall
'R' waves, mild sinus arrhythmia and Si, S2 and S3 pattern were the abnormal EGG
findings in dogs with CHF. No marked changes could be observed in the ECG of
dogs with ascites of hepatic and renal origin.
Ultrasonography of liver revealed hyperechogenicity of parenchyma, specks
of hyperechogenicity and mildly echogenic gall bladder contents in three out of five
dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. Two dogs had uneven and eroded borders along
with hyperechoic liver parenchyma in dogs with ascites of hepatic origin.
Nephrosonogram was unremarkable in all the ten dogs. Ultrasonographic findings
and serum biochemical findings were coinciding with each other. Ultrasonography
was an efficient tool in studying the changes of liver parenchyma and portal
vasculature. ECG in cardiac diseases was complementary to echocardiography.
Echocardiography was efficient in diagnosing DCM (two dogs) and HCM (one
dog).
All the dogs with liver diseases had mild to marked elevation in serum levels
of ALT and/ or ALP. Hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed in
dogs with liver and kidney diseases. Liver and kidney function tests were
umemarkable in dogs with nephrotic syndrome and heart diseases.
Treatment regimen involved administration of furosemide and/ or
furosemide + spironolactone, silymarin, Liv- 52 Vet, enalapril, digoxin and
prednisolone as the case may be. Six out of 10 dogs survived beyond 30 days
following the therapy instituted.
Nephrotic syndrome in dogs could be concluded by progressing
hypoproteinemia especially hypoalbuminemia, low- protein ascites, negative ECG
and echocardiographic findings and non- responsiveness to therapy. Nephrotic
syndrome can be confirmed by biopsy and / or urine protein: creatinine ratio. Liver
diseases can be confirmed and characterized only with biopsy.
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