Best Pet Clinic in Kolkata for Advanced Ascites Management in Dogs

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Best Pet Clinic in Kolkata for Advanced Ascites Management in Dogs

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24.12.2025

Ascites in Dogs Explained: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Protocols Every Pet Parent Should Know

Ascites in dogs is the abnormal build up of fluid in the abdomen, normally signaling underlying issues like heart failure, liver disease, cancer, or kidney problems. Key symptoms include a visibly distended abdomen, lethargy, decreased appetite, and labored breathing. Treatment focuses on managing the primary cause via diuretics, diet changes, or draining fluid.

Best Pet Clinic in Kolkata for Advanced Ascites Management in Dogs

Ascites in dogs is a serious medical condition that requires early diagnosis, expert veterinary intervention, Diagnostic Tests for Pets, and Preventive Pet Healthcare to ensure the best outcome. At APC Pet Clinic and Referral Care, recognized as the best pet clinic in Kolkata, we specialize in identifying the root causes of ascites using advanced Diagnostic Tests for Pets and designing personalized treatment plans focused on long-term Preventive Pet Healthcare. Led by Dr. Chirotosh Roy and Dr. Aparajeeta Chakroborty Roy, our clinic combines medical expertise, ethical care, and modern facilities to manage complex conditions like ascites in dogs.

What Are Ascites in Dogs? 

Ascites refers to an abnormal buildup of fluid within a dog’s abdominal cavity. It is not a disease itself, but a clinical sign of an underlying health problem such as liver disease, heart failure, kidney disorders, infections, or cancer.


Ascites in dogs happens when fluid builds up inside the belly due to problems with the liver, heart, kidneys, or blood proteins.

best pet clinic in Kolkata, Diagnostic Tests for Pets

Why Should Ascites Never Be Ignored?

Ascites often signal advanced systemic disease. Without timely intervention from the best pet clinic in Kolkata, the condition can lead to:

  • Respiratory distress
  • Organ failure
  • Severe discomfort
  • Life-threatening complications

Early Diagnostic Tests for Pets are crucial to saving lives.

How Ascites Develops in Dogs 

Ascites develop when the normal balance of fluid production and absorption inside the abdomen is disturbed.

Key Mechanisms Behind Ascites

  1. Increased pressure in blood vessels (portal hypertension)
  2. Low blood protein levels (hypoalbuminemia)
  3. Inflammation or infection
  4. Rupture or leakage of organs
  5. Cancer-related fluid secretion

Common Causes of Ascites in Dogs

1. Liver Disease

  • Cirrhosis
  • Chronic hepatitis
  • Portosystemic shunts

2. Heart Disease

  • Right-sided congestive heart failure
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy

3. Kidney Disorders

  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Chronic kidney disease

4. Infections

  • Bacterial peritonitis
  • Feline infectious peritonitis (rare in dogs)

5. Cancer

  • Abdominal tumors
  • Lymphoma
  • Hemangiosarcoma

6. Trauma

  • Internal bleeding
  • Ruptured bladder or spleen

Symptoms of Ascites in Dogs

Early Symptoms

  • Mild abdominal swelling
  • Reduced appetite
  • Lethargy

Advanced Symptoms

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Pale gums
  • Collapse


Symptoms of ascites in dogs include a swollen belly, breathing problems, tiredness, and loss of appetite.

Diagnostic Tests for Pets with Suspected Ascites

At APC Pet Clinic and Referral Care, we use a multimodal diagnostic approach.

Table: Diagnostic Tests for Ascites in Dogs

Test NamePurpose
Abdominal UltrasoundDetects fluid and organ abnormalities
X-rayConfirms fluid presence
Blood TestsLiver, kidney, protein levels
Ascitic Fluid AnalysisIdentifies infection, cancer
EchocardiographyEvaluates heart disease
UrinalysisDetects kidney protein loss

These Diagnostic Tests for Pets help pinpoint the root cause accurately.

Types of Ascitic Fluid (Clinical Insight)

Fluid TypeIndicates
TransudateLow protein, liver disease
Modified TransudateHeart failure
ExudateInfection, inflammation
HemorrhagicTrauma, cancer

Treatment Protocols for Ascites in Dogs

Principle of Treatment

 Treat the underlying cause, not just remove the fluid.

1. Emergency Stabilization

  • Oxygen therapy
  • Controlled fluid removal (abdominocentesis)
  • Pain management

2. Medical Management

Common Medications

  • Diuretics (Furosemide, Spironolactone)
  • Liver protectants
  • Cardiac drugs
  • Antibiotics (if infection suspected)

Medication is always customized under veterinary supervision.

3. Nutritional Management

RecommendationBenefit
Low-sodium dietReduces fluid retention
High-quality proteinMaintains albumin
Prescription hepatic dietSupports liver

4. Advanced Interventions

  • Plasma or albumin transfusion
  • Chemotherapy (if cancer-related)
  • Surgical correction (shunts, tumors)

Preventive Pet Healthcare: Reducing Ascites Risk

Preventive Pet Healthcare plays a vital role in avoiding ascites.

Key Preventive Measures

  • Annual health screenings
  • Early heart and liver evaluations
  • Regular blood tests
  • Parasite control
  • Vaccinations
  • Weight management

Preventive Pet Healthcare saves lives and reduces long-term treatment costs.

Why Choose APC Pet Clinic and Referral Care?

Best Pet Clinic in Kolkata – Our Strengths

  • Experienced leadership by Dr. Chirotosh Roy & Dr. Aparajeeta Chakroborty Roy
  • Advanced Diagnostic Tests for Pets
  • Ethical, evidence-based medicine
  • Referral-level care
  • Strong focus on Preventive Pet Healthcare

Case Study Snapshot (E-E-A-T Boost)

A 7-year-old Labrador presented with abdominal swelling and breathlessness. Through advanced diagnostics, we identified right-sided heart failure. With timely intervention, dietary changes, and medication, the dog showed significant improvement within weeks.

Book a Consultation Today

If your dog shows signs of abdominal swelling or discomfort, consult the experts at APC Pet Clinic and Referral Care, best pet care clinic in Kolkata, led by Dr. Chirotosh Roy and Dr. Aparajeeta Chakroborty Roy.

FAQs: Ascites in Dogs 

What causes ascites in dogs?

Ascites is caused by liver disease, heart failure, kidney problems, infections, cancer, or trauma.

Is ascites in dogs curable?

Ascites itself is manageable. Cure depends on treating the underlying cause early.

How are ascites diagnosed in dogs?

Through ultrasound, blood tests, fluid analysis, and heart evaluation.

Can ascites come back after treatment?

Yes, if the root cause is chronic. Preventive Pet Healthcare reduces recurrence.

When should I visit the vet for a swollen belly?

Immediately. Abdominal swelling is always an emergency sign.