Wth any abdominal enlargement we need to make sure we get a vetnairan advice as soon as possible. But one of the causes of abdominal enlargement can include an increase in intra abdominal fat this can be due to simple a gain in weight due to excess calories and insufficient exercise. A redeployment of fat into the abdominal cavity may occur with Cushing's disease. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism often gain weight, as do some dogs with insulinomas (tumours of the insulin producing cells of the pancreas). This weight gain may be perceived as abdominal enlargement
What might these screening tests indicate?
The CBC (complete blood count) provides us with an assessment of the red blood cells, the white blood cells, and the platelet compionents of a blood sample. A numerical analysis of the cells is accompanied by a microscopic evaluatio of a blood smear.
Fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity, intra-abdominal tumours, and enlarged size of one or more abdominal organs may all give the physical impression of abdominal enlargement. Fluid accumulation may be the result of liver disease, cardiac disease, abdominal tumours, or accumulation of urine in the abdomen.
How do we establish the cause of abdominal enlargement in my dog?
Significant historical clues include the recent development of any symptoms or clinical signs. For example, a middle-aged dog with weight gain and skin problems may be suffering from hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). A dog with a recent history of trauma may be exhibit abdominal enlargement due to urine leakage from a ruptured bladder, or from hemorrhage (bleeding) into the abdomen. Particular diseases such as Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism and insulinomas are commonly diagnosed in dogs. The physical inspection may allow us to detect accumulations of fluid within the abdomen as well as organ enlargement and tumours.
Anemia is diagnosed by decrasses in the red blood cell numbers, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume (PCV), of a sample. Mild anemia may be the result of any chronic desease including liver desase, and hypthyroidism. More ruthless anemia may be noted with hemorrhage into tthe abdominal cavity due to traum a or hemorrhage from an intra-abdominal tumour.
Increases in serum globlins (proteins produced primarily by cells of the immune system as a findings of inflammation or infection) may be noted as a result of inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic (literally new growth, and meaning cancer) conditions. Underlying hypothyroidism seldom results in any significant biochemistry changes other than an increase in cholesterol concentration. A marked decline in serum glucose (blood sugar) may be all that is noted with underlying insulinomas. A urinalysis provides us with an assessment of the chemical and physical properties of a urine sample. A urinalysis is significant in any sick dog, and is necessary for the proper interpretation of any changes that might be noted on the biochemistry profile, particularly in regard to any increases in the kidney related values. Inability to obtain a urine sample, in conjunction with a history of recent trauma, may raise our index of suspicion for bladder rupture or other urinary tract abnormalities.
Any other testing depends entirely upon the combined results of the history, physical examination, and screening tests. It is not possible to list all possible additional tests. However, a few examples of common additional tests follow. Suspected Cushing's disease may be established by dexamethasone suppression and/or ACTH stimulation tests. Suspected hypothyroidism may be established by determination of serum thyroxine (total T4) concentrations. The confirmation of liver disease may include serum bile acid determination, imagining studies of the liver (ultrasound, x-rays), or biopsy. If abdominal fluid, abdominal masses or enlarged organs are alleged, then imaging studies of the abdominal cavity are typically undertaken. Such studies may include x-rays and/or ultrasound evaluation. Fluid samples may be obtained by fine needle aspiration for analysis by a veterinary pathologist. The total protein content and cell types current in this fluid will help guide us to the likely underlying cause of its production. Similarly, masses or enlarged organs may be sampled by either fine needle aspiration biopsy or tissue biopsy in order to decide the cell types contained within and provide us with information concerning the prognosis and treatment options available. Depending on the imaging results, these biopsies may be performed under ultrasound guidance, or by a surgical operation.
A through history and physical examination will provide some 'clues' as to the underlying cause.
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