A Case Study on Ascites of Hepatic Origin and Their Proper Management in a Male German Shepherd Dog

Bharata Regmi,Manoj Kumar Shah

doi:10.3126/ijasbt.v5i4.18768

Abstract

A male German shepherd dog of 11 months was presented to HART Clinic, Pokhara with the history of abdominal swelling, respiratory distress, lethargy, anorexia and weakness. Physical examination revealed dyspnea, pale mucous membrane, and undulating movement (thrills) of fluid on tapping the abdomen. Fecal sample collected for assessing the severity of endoparasites which was found negative. The hematological study showed an increase in numbers of neutrophils, while there were decreased erythrocytes and hemoglobin concentration. The biochemical analysis resulted in an elevated SGOT, SGPT level but decrease in total protein level. Ascitic fluid collected from abdominal paracentesis on examination revealed transudate fluid with serum-albumin ascetic gradient (SAAG) >1.1 gm/dl suggesting ascites due to portal hypertension (96% accuracy) caused by Liver cirrhosis. The dog was diagnosed as ascites of hepatic origin resulting portal hypertension and hypoproteinemia. The abdominocentesis was performed to drain the ascetic fluid followed by albumin and normal saline administration. The dog was further treated with antibiotic, diuretic, amino acid and liver tonics along with protein rich but salt free diet. The dog showed remarkable improvement with gradual reduced in abdominal distention and normalization of the appetite after 7 days of treatment.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(4): 555-558

Highlights

Ascites, referred as accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity, has been attributed to chronic hepatic failure, congestive heart failure, nephritic syndrome, malnutrition, ankylostomiasis and protein losing enteropathy in canine
The ascetic fluid has been evaluated for diagnosis of ascites
Increased SGOT indicates hepatic insufficiency with extensive damage resulting into the leakage of enzymes from hepatic cell into blood stream (Pradhan et al, 2008;Kumar et al, 2016; Beker & Valencia-Parparcén, 1968)

Summary

Introduction

Ascites, referred as accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity, has been attributed to chronic hepatic failure, congestive heart failure, nephritic syndrome, malnutrition, ankylostomiasis and protein losing enteropathy in canine. It results in abdominal swelling, dyspnea, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, weakness, discomfort. Ascites is always a sign of disease; investigation should be aimed at identifying the primary underlying problem (Pradhan et al, 2008; Kumar et al, 2016). The ascetic fluid has been evaluated for diagnosis of ascites. It involves the collection of abdominal fluid to analyze the bacterial presence, protein makeup, and bleeding.

Methods

Results

Conclusion