After hearing the term ascites, many people may think of it as a result of a cat passing on its abdomen. In fact, does ascites only occur when a cat passes on its abdomen?

Ascites is indeed a serious symptom, but there are many possibilities for causing ascites. Therefore, the presence of ascites does not necessarily mean that you have wet-type abdominal distension.

　▍Reason

Four main causes of ascites in cats:

Visceral failure

Wet type spread to the abdomen

Cancer

Parasite

The above situations are all potentially fatal threats to some extent. So be sure to seek the right treatment plan.

　▍Visceral failure

If the cat's internal organs are completely exhausted or the work intensity is reduced, ascites will occur. The heart, liver, and kidneys are all involved in the circulatory system and the removal of excess fluid and waste products.

If one of them is not functioning properly, something may go wrong.

Kidney failure can be acute or chronic. Acute renal failure may be caused by urinary tract obstruction in male cats. Chronic kidney problems may be caused by hyperthyroidism.

In addition, the composition of your daily diet also plays an important role.

Once your veterinarian discovers something is wrong with an internal organ, you can develop a treatment plan.

Although heart and kidney failure are irreversible, there are treatment options that can extend a cat's life.

The best way to relieve a cat with ascites is to drain the fluid, but this is a temporary measure because in most cases the fluid will flow back.

Only by solving the root cause can there be a complete improvement.

If necessary, you can ask the doctor to prescribe some special painkillers for cats.

　▍Wet type is transmitted to the abdomen

Feline infectious peritonitis, also called FIP, is a viral infection.

FIP is divided into two types: wet type and dry type. The more obvious symptom of the former is ascites.

FIP is the result of a mutation in the coronavirus and usually affects cats between 6 months and 2 years old. There is currently no completely reliable treatment option, and the rate of misdiagnosis is also high.

I have written many articles about this disease in the public account Cat Academy. You can search the history records yourself.

　▍Cancer

​In the worst case, ascites may be a sign of cancer.

If you suspect cancer, further testing may be done with an abdominal ultrasound and other laboratory tests.

For feline cancer, the prognosis varies. Although there are treatment plans, even chemotherapy, the prognosis is generally poor and expensive.

For cats with cancer, it is recommended to adopt a conservative treatment plan. If necessary, in order to relieve pain, comfort coloring can be implemented.

　▍Parasite

This is the most common cause of ascites found in kittens.

Coccidia and tapeworms may cause ascites in kittens.

Regular internal and external deworming, once every three months, is very necessary. Also have a physical exam at least once a year.

In short, if you find that your cat has ascites, don’t be afraid first. Calmly analyze the cause to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment