Multimodal assessment and management of ascites in dogs: A study on clinical parameters, laboratory findings, imaging features and therapeutic response

Ascites, the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity, is an important clinical manifestation in dogs, reflecting diverse underlying etiologies. The present study was conducted in dogs with ascites presented to University Veterinary Hospitals, Mannuthy and Kokkalai, between September 2024 and May 2025 Ascites was attributed to hepatic etiology in 46.67 per cent, cardiac etiology in 40 per cent and hypoproteinaemia 13.33 per cent of cases. Clinical signs reported cases were abdominal distension, anorexia, weight loss, weakness, vomiting, melena and respiratory distress. Haematology revealed anaemia in both hepatic and cardiac cases. Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatinine and total bilirubin were observed in cardiac cases. Ascitic fluid obtained was proteinrich or protein-poor transudate. Echocardiography confirmed systolic dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), whereas ultrasonography in hepatic cases revealed microhepatica, irregular margins and regenerative nodules. Dogs with cardiac causes of ascites responded favourably to combination therapy with pimobendan, diuretics and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Dogs with cirrhosis and portal hypertension were treated with a multimodal regimen including carvedilol, diuretics, amino acid supplementation and liver supportives. The study emphasizes the importance of systematic diagnostic evaluation and tailored multimodal management in canine ascites.