**1. Introduction**

Ascites is a term used to describe the condition of accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. The word "ascites" could be used interchangeably with other terms such as abdominal dropsy, abdominal effusion, peritoneal fluid excess, hydroperitoneum and peritoneal cavity fluid. Ascites represents a form of general systemic state which could manifest in diverse disease conditions in animals. This implies that ascites is only a clinical manifestation of an underlying disease condition and not a disease in real sense. It further shows that ascites is not a treatable condition except the cause is properly diagnosed and treated accordingly. Ascites is often diagnosed in dogs between the ages of 5 and 7 years [1]. Cases between the ages of 1 and 4 years have also been recorded. The occurrence of ascites in dogs may be breed dependent with higher incidences in Pomeranian (33.35%) than in Labrador retriever (20%), Boxer (16.66%), Doberman pinscher (13.37%), mongrels (10%) and least in Alsatian (6.66%) [1]. Ascites manifests in several disease

conditions such as hepatic disease, various types of neoplasm, portal hypertension, alteration in serum protein level (hypoproteinaemia), right-sided heart failure, decreased plasma oncotic pressure and increased permeability of capillary endothelium sequel to inflammatory conditions, bacterial infection (tuberculosis), kidney malfunction, pre-hepatic portal hypertension, post-hepatic portal hypertension, trauma (rupture of lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, urinary bladder),

ancylostomosis peritonitis, bleeding disorders and malnutrition [2, 3]. Other conditions may include heartworm infection and pulmonary stenosis [4]. In general, cardiac and hepatic disease conditions ranked highest as the cause of ascites in pets. Other manifesting signs which usually signify an underlying disease condition in ascetic pets may include syncope, vomiting, obtundation, seizure, anaemia which manifests as pale mucous membrane, weakness and rapid panting. The identification and diagnosis of the cause of ascites may not be a straightforward procedure and could be complicated due to the several causative factors. The veterinarian however has to be guided by the medical adage "if you hear the sound of hoof first look for a horse before a zebra". This only means that diagnosis should start with the basis of thorough physical examination of the entire body and clinical examinations. A well and sequential conduction of physical and clinical examinations serves as a pointer to the underlying cause of ascites. However this may not always be so as diagnosis oftentimes is cumbersome. In such situations diagnosis would include a complete blood count which may reveal evidence of bacterial infection. Abdominal ultrasound/sonography is done to determine the abdominal content and aid in differentiating excess fluid accumulation from abdominal masses and organ enlargement. Knowledge of the blood biochemistry including total protein, albumin, creatinine and urea, liver enzymes and coagulation profile would help in revealing cases of hypoalbuminaemia, hypoproteinaemia and hepatic and kidney diseases [5]. Cardiac diseases may be diagnosed with the aid of electrocardiograph. Cardiac auscultation detects cases of cardiac murmurs and arrhythmia. Abdominal paracentesis is a useful procedure usually carried out to reduce the fluid level and alleviate complications of dyspnea. Paracentesis is a useful procedure in the management of ascites which is instituted in conjunction with appropriate treatment of the underlying cause. Once appropriate diagnosis is made, treatment usually comes easy by alleviating life-threatening conditions such as dyspnea and administering appropriate therapy as the case may be.
