

CHF in cats has a number of potential causes itself: Congestive heart failure - or CHF - is a condition in which the heart is unable or incapable of doing this. It pumps fresh, oxygenated blood through a cat’s body. The right side of the heart is crucial to that organ’s function. Congestive heart failure on the right side

FIP is a dangerous condition in cats, because it is not only difficult to diagnose, but also practically impossible to cure. When the virus mutates and becomes active, it impairs a cat’s immune system and particularly affects the kidneys and abdominal lining. There are two forms of FIP in cats, and the one that causes swelling of the peritoneum is effusive, also called wet. The name peritonitis gives you the clearest indication that it directly and adversely affects and inflames a cat’s abdominal lining. Feline infectious peritonitisĪnother cause of ascites in cats, feline infectious peritonitis - or FIP - is caused by a virus that thrives in white blood cells. With no place for urine to go, the bladder can tear and release urine into the abdomen, irritating the peritoneum, which releases more fluid. A ruptured bladder can be caused by urinary tract infection, blockages of the urinary tract or disease. Liver and kidney failure in cats can occur for a number of similar reasons: ingestion of chemicals or toxins, excessive heat, dietary imbalances, infection, metabolic dysfunction, and anything else that disrupts normal operation. Failures or ruptures of the liver and kidney can release fluid into the abdomen that can become septic. When healthy, these organs provide vital functions including conversion and metabolization of nutrients, filtration, and waste removal. Let’s look at each cause of ascites in cats right here: Abdominal organ failureĭamage to or failure of any the organs in a cat’s abdominal cavity - especially the liver, kidneys and bladder - can each lead to discomfort and ascites in cats. The major cat diseases and afflictions that can cause ascites in cats that we’ll cover here include: To determine a course of treatment and hopefully a resolution, a veterinarian needs to determine the precise reason for ascites in cats. Unfortunately, ascites in cats itself is only a symptom of a larger problem. Fluid buildup in the abdomen eventually creates so much pressure inside the cat’s body that the cat might have trouble breathing as well. A swollen stomach is one of the most obvious symptoms of ascites in cats, but any dramatic shift in appetite, weight, body temperature, excremental function or physical sensitivity during a belly rub might indicate excess abdominal fluid in cats, or ascites in cats.

When it affects the abdomen or stomach area specifically, it is referred to as ascites. On the most basic level, swelling due to internal fluid buildup is called an edema. Ascites in cats What causes ascites in cats, or swollen stomachs in cats? Photography ©adogslifephoto | Getty Images. Let’s examine some of the major causes of abdominal fluid buildup in cats, or ascites in cats. Depending on the specific issue, this fluid might be overproduced peritoneal fluid, internal bleeding, urine or a combination. If your cat suddenly develops belly swelling or abdominal distension, it might indicate any one of a wide array of potentially life-threatening cat health issues due to excess fluid buildup. This lining secretes fluid - peritoneal fluid - which permits everything inside to move comfortably as the cat moves. Does your cat have a bloated stomach? A cat’s abdomen and internal organs are sheathed in a tissue lining called the peritoneum.
