Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen) in cows and buffaloes: Causes, Differential Diagnosis, and Drainage | Animal Husbandry
Cattle/Buffalo: Ascites (Fluid Belly)
Why do cows and buffaloes develop ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen)? How to differentiate it from gas, pregnancy, and other diseases (differential dia
In the language of livestock farmers: “Fluid accumulation in the abdomen” (Ascites) is not a disease in itself, but a sign of a serious underlying problem. In this article, we will understand the causes, symptoms, differential diagnosis, when/how to perform drainage, and treatment management in simple Hindi.
What is Ascites (Fluid in the Abdomen)?
Ascites means the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity of the animal. Normally, there is very little fluid inside the abdomen, but when this amount increases, the abdomen appears swollen from the outside. Livestock farmers call this “fluid in the abdomen.”
Note: Ascites is a symptom — that is, it indicates an underlying problem such as liver disease, heart disease, protein deficiency, parasites, or a chronic illness.
Why does Ascites occur? (Simple explanation of causes)
From a veterinary perspective, the main ways Ascites develops are:
- Liver weakness/cirrhosis (Liver disease): Increased blood pressure in the liver (Portal Hypertension) causes fluid to leak into the abdomen.
- Low protein/albumin in the blood (Hypoproteinemia): When albumin levels are low, fluid leaks out of the blood vessels and accumulates in the abdomen.
- Heart failure (Right-sided Heart Failure): Increased congestion/pressure in the veins can lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
- Chronic infection/inflammation: In some cases, peritonitis, TB, etc., can also increase fluid accumulation.
Common Causes of Ascites in Cows and Buffaloes
- Chronic Liver Disease / Cirrhosis
- Right-sided heart failure
- Heavy parasitic infections (such as Liver fluke / Haemonchus, etc.)
- Malnutrition/Protein deficiency
- Chronic infections (TB/Peritonitis, etc. in some regions)
- Tumors/Lumps (rare but possible)
- Kidney/Other chronic diseases (in fewer cases)
What Symptoms Does the Farmer Observe? (Signs & Symptoms)
- Gradual enlargement of the abdomen, especially hanging downwards
- Shortness of breath (due to pressure on the lungs)
- Difficulty walking, easily fatigued
- Reduced appetite, decreased rumination
- Decreased milk production
- Sometimes swelling in the legs/udder
Field sign: Gentle palpation may sometimes reveal a "fluid thrill" sensation.
Differential Diagnosis: Is a Swollen Abdomen Always Ascites?
No. The most crucial step for the veterinarian is to determine whether the abdominal distension is due to fluid, gas, pregnancy, tumors, or intestinal problems. The differences from common conditions are described below:
1) Ruminal Tympany (Bloat/Gas)
- In bloat, the left flank is usually more distended
- Percussion produces a drum-like sound
- Immediate restlessness, rapid breathing, and pain may be observed
2) Pregnancy (Late Pregnancy)
- Abdominal distension is often more pronounced on one side
- Fetal/uterine signs are detected on rectal palpation
- In ascites, the fluid usually spreads downwards and all around
3) Uterine Dropsy (Hydrometra/Mucometra)
- Fluid in the uterus; confirmed by rectal examination
- Abdominal distension, but the "fluid" pattern is different
4) Intestinal Obstruction
- Often severe pain, loss of appetite, reduced/absent defecation
- Pain is not always present in ascites
5) Peritonitis (Inflammation/Infection of the Peritoneum)
- Fever, severe pain, tenderness on abdominal palpation
- Ascitic fluid may be cloudy/foul-smelling
6) Obesity
- Gradual weight gain; no fluid wave sensation
- Abdomen is "soft and fatty" but not fluid-filled
Diagnosis: How to confirm Ascites?
(Veterinarian's Point of View)- Clinical Examination: Abdominal size, respiration, pulse, heart sounds, body condition
-
Diagnostic Abdominocentesis (Tap): Withdraw a small amount of fluid and observe color/odor/consistency
- Clear/Light Yellow → Often Transudate (protein deficiency/liver/heart)
- Cloudy/Thick/Foul-smelling → Infection/Peritonitis
Ascites Drainage (Abdominocentesis): When to perform?
The purpose of drainage is to provide immediate relief, not a cure. Therefore, perform drainage only when:
- The abdomen is so distended that it is causing difficulty breathing
- The animal is unable to stand or is very uncomfortable
- Medications are not providing immediate relief
- A small amount of fluid needs to be removed for diagnosis
When should drainage NOT be performed? (Contra-indications)
- Shock/Severe weakness: Drainage can further lower blood pressure
- Severe malnutrition/Very low protein levels: Repeated fluid removal exacerbates the problem
- Late pregnancy: Increased risk
- Infection/Abscess in the abdominal wall: Risk of spreading infection internally
- Very little ascites: Low benefit, high risk
Field-Level Drainage: How is it done? (General Guidance)
Drainage is usually performed with a trocar-cannula or a large needle/catheter. Site selection, antiseptic preparation, and slow fluid removal are crucial.
- Keep the animal standing and safely restrained
- Shave and apply antiseptic to the site
- Remove the fluid slowly; Do not drain too much at once.
- Draining too much at once (e.g., very large volume) can increase shock/weakness.
Note: Make practical decisions (how much to drain) based on the animal's age, condition, respiratory status, and weakness.
What after-care is necessary after drainage?
- Hydration support: Fluids (slowly) as needed
- Protein support: Good protein diet; protein therapy under veterinary supervision where available
- Mineral mixture and vitamins
- Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) only on veterinary advice and with caution
- Antibiotics only when infection is suspected/proven
- Control salt intake (especially in recurrent ascites)
Most important: Treat the underlying cause (Cause-based Treatment)
If the cause is not addressed, the fluid will accumulate again. Therefore, simultaneously:
- Parasite control: Strategic deworming (especially in liver fluke endemic areas)
- Liver support: Hepatoprotective agents + improved dietary management
- Cardiac problems: Cardiac evaluation and supportive treatment
- Malnutrition/Protein deficiency: Feed improvement, concentrates, oil cakes, green fodder, balanced minerals
- Chronic infections: Diagnosis and targeted treatment
Prognosis: Can the animal recover?
- Ascites due to malnutrition/protein deficiency: Better outcome with timely intervention
- Cases with liver cirrhosis/heart failure: Often chronic and challenging
- Need for repeated drainage: Indicates a poor prognosis
7 Easy Rules for the Livestock Farmer
- If you see a "bloated belly," first determine: Is it gas or fluid?
- Do not get the fluid drained repeatedly with a needle without a veterinarian's supervision.
- If the animal is having difficulty breathing or is constantly sitting down—consider this an emergency.
- Maintain a balance of green fodder + concentrates + protein sources + minerals.
- Ensure control of liver fluke according to the region.
- Continue treatment even after drainage—because the underlying cause still remains.
- If weakness increases significantly, discuss liver/heart examination with your veterinarian.