ASCITES 259 



a characteristic pear shape. When the animal assumes a 

 standing posture, the fluid collects in the lower portion of the 

 abdomen and the amount can be rather accurately deter- 

 mined by percussion. Above the line of dulness will be 

 noticed a tympanitic sound. Changing the position of the 

 animal causes a shifting of the horizontal line which marks 

 the upper limits of the area of dulness. 



On palpation the resistance is fairly uniform. By placing 

 one hand on the side of the abdomen, and tapping gently on 

 the other side with the other hand, a plain undulation will be 

 felt. As the amount of fluid increases, pressure is produced 

 on the diaphragm, interfering with the function of the organs 

 in the thoracic cavity. Severe dyspnea with cyanotic mem- 

 branes is noted in some cases. The pulse is weak and rapid. 

 As the cases progress, emaciation appears. The appetite 

 is impaired, the digestive tract disturbed and occasional 

 attacks of vomiting occur. The temperature is normal; in 

 the later stages it may be subnormal. The urine is reduced 

 in amount, and often highly colored in the dog; otherwise it 

 is normal. The animal may die from general exhaustion, 

 or from asphyxia. 



Diagnosis.— The diagnosis is not difficult, provided a care- 

 ful examination is made of the patient, its history obtained, 

 and all the symptoms carefully noted. However, there are 

 quite a number of conditions with which ascites might be 

 confused. It might be mistaken for acute or chronic peri- 

 tonitis with effusion. By puncturing the abdominal wall with 

 an explorative trocar and obtaining some of the fluid, a dif- 

 ferential diagnosis can be made. 



Excessive accumulation of fat (obesity) might be confusing. 

 However, obesity occurs mostly in old animals, and the shape 

 of the abdomen is more apple (broad back, well rounded 

 barrel) than pear shaped. 



Advanced pregnancy can be differentiated by careful 

 palpation which will reveal the presence of the fetuses. 

 Tumors in the cavity can be differentiated by their consist- 

 ency and their permanent position. Distention of the 

 bladder produces an enlargement which remains in the same 

 position at all times, and when palpated can be felt as a 



