Anemia and Fluid in the Belly in an Older Cocker Spaniel
by Marjo
We're sorry you're going through this. In an older dog, anemia together with fluid in the belly often means bleeding inside the abdomen. A common cause is a mass on the spleen or liver that has bled, and some of these masses are too small or hidden to see clearly on X-rays and ultrasound. Testing the fluid is exactly the right step, because it shows whether the fluid is blood, infection or something else.
Other possibilities include fluid from liver, heart or gut disease, and infection inside the belly. Cocker Spaniels are also prone to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), but IMHA wouldn't explain belly fluid by itself, so your vet will be looking for a cause that ties these findings together.
Pain, a poor appetite and changing bowel habits all deserve prompt care. If he becomes weak, his gums turn pale or white, his belly swells, or he breathes fast, take him to an emergency vet right away.
See anemia in dogs, pale gums in dogs and spleen tumors in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Heart.
