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16 results for “cat ascites”
Ascites in Dogs and Cats
Ascites is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen, a chronic condition that may be watery (transudate) or inflammatory (exudate). It causes a symmetrically swollen belly, weakness, and breathing difficulty; treatment targets the underlying disease plus fluid removal and a low-sodium diet.
Does Abdominal Fluid in Cats Always Mean FIP?
Fluid in a cat's abdomen, or ascites, is a sign—not a diagnosis. It can stem from liver or heart disease, kidney failure, malnutrition, or peritonitis caused by infection, viruses, or injury, and only one of those causes is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Because the symptom alone cannot confirm FIP, diagnosis needs bloodwork, imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound, and viral testing. If your cat shows a swollen belly, lethargy, fever, or breathing trouble, see a veterinarian promptly to find the real cause.
Copper Metabolism Disorders in Dogs and Cats
Copper metabolism disorders in dogs and cats include copper toxicity, acute shock or chronic liver disease with anemia and ascites, and copper deficiency, causing anemia, bone and joint disease, and faded coat color. They are managed by correcting dietary copper and treating liver disease.
Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs and Cats
Hepatic encephalopathy is a neurological syndrome in dogs and cats caused by liver dysfunction that allows toxic metabolites such as ammonia to reach the brain. It produces recurring signs ranging from lethargy and ataxia to seizures, circling, and coma, and is often triggered by high-protein meals, gastrointestinal bleeding, or dehydration.
Leukemia in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Leukemia is a malignant disease of the blood-forming system in which abnormal white cells flood the marrow and blood, damaging other organs. Forms include myeloid, lymphoid, monocytic, and mast-cell leukemia, and treatment is difficult, relying on chemotherapy and supportive care.
Pericardial Effusion in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Pericardial effusion is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the sac around the heart, compressing it and causing fatigue and breathing difficulty. Common triggers include heart failure, parasites, anemia, and cardiac tumors, and treatment removes the fluid while addressing the underlying cause.
Pericarditis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, often secondary to infection, heart-base tumors, rheumatism, or uremia. It causes fever, breathing difficulty, and fluid or bleeding around the heart, and is treated by addressing the cause plus drainage when needed.
Cor Pulmonale in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Cor pulmonale (pulmonary heart disease) is right-sided heart failure driven by high pressure in the pulmonary arteries, usually from chronic lung disease, heartworm, or chest-wall disorders. Signs include cough, labored breathing, and fluid buildup, and treatment must target the underlying cause.
Peritonitis in Dogs and Cats
Peritonitis is inflammation of the abdominal lining caused by infection, injury, or leakage of gut contents, bringing severe abdominal pain and inflammatory fluid in the belly. Treatment removes the cause, uses antibiotics, and supports fluids and circulation.
Histoplasmosis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Histoplasmosis is a highly contagious granulomatous disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.