Can cats and dogs with abdominal fluid live long?

Cats and dogs with abdominal fluid, if caused by infectious peritonitis, can prolong their lives by regularly going to the hospital to have the fluid drained and receiving conservative treatment. If the condition is good, they can live for about a year. If the abdominal fluid is not caused by infectious peritonitis, there is a chance of cure, reducing the risk of death.

Causes of abdominal fluid

There are many causes of abdominal fluid in cats and dogs, such as liver and kidney diseases, or renal failure, malnutrition, viral peritonitis, and other diseases. These cause decreased plasma osmotic pressure, increased intravascular pressure, lymphatic duct blockage, or organ exudates leading to excessive abdominal fluid accumulation. Abdominal fluid in cats and dogs can lead to difficulty breathing and death in the later stage.

Symptoms of abdominal fluid

Cats and dogs will show decreased appetite, rough hair, weight loss, strong thirst, and generally no significant changes in body temperature. The abdomen is noticeably sagging and symmetrically swollen on both sides. Palpation of the abdomen has a fluctuating sensation and a watery sound. The back and ribs are prominent, thin, and unwilling to move. As the abdominal fluid continues to increase, the abdomen becomes barrel-shaped. The abdominal fluid compresses the diaphragm and lungs, showing symptoms such as accelerated breathing, difficulty breathing, and hypoxia. Laparoscopic puncture usually reveals exudative fluid, with a transparent or light yellow color.

Treatment for abdominal fluid

If cats and dogs have abdominal fluid, they can first have the fluid drained to relieve abdominal pressure, but cannot drain all the fluid at once, avoiding a sudden and severe change in abdominal pressure. After draining the abdominal fluid, the fluid can be sent for examination to determine its nature, and then give symptomatic treatment. At the same time, drugs to regulate osmotic pressure are needed to stop the continued exudation of fluids.