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Abdominal Distension

The patient presented for pre-anesthetic work up for a TPLO surgery and it was noted that the patient's abdomen appeared larger than normal. Radiographs of the abdomen were inconclusive and an ultrasound was performed.

An intact male mixed breed dog was presented for evaluation of 4-5 days of progressive abdominal distension. Abnormalities on laboratory work were heartworm positive and anemia. Survey radiographs showed cardiomegaly and a possible abdominal mass.

The patient is a 12-year-old spayed female Jack Russell Terrier. The abdomen was progressively swollen on presentation. Only minor anemia was present with otherwise normal blood work. Chest radiographs reveal normal heart size and normal lung fields. 1-2 liters of ascites had been drained from this patient weekly after abdominal tap revealed modified transudate fluid. Abdominal sonogram was performed to decipher the cause of ascites.