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Section: Information In-depth
The abdominal cavity contains vital organs such as the stomach and intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and urinary bladder. It also contains numerous blood vessels, lymph vessels and lymph nodes are also present in the abdominal cavity and is lined with a thin, specialized membrane (the peritoneum) that contains the contents within a sterile environment.Abdominal distension can be caused by fat accumulation, fluid accumulation in the peritoneal space, enlargement of abdominal organs or weakness of the abdominal muscles. The fluids that cause abdominal distension can be blood, urine, exudate, transudate or any combination of these. Causes of these different fluid types are listed below:Blood Blood can fill the abdomen because of trauma, erosion of blood vessels, failure to form blood clots normally, or tumors causing organs to rupture.UrineUrine can fill the abdomen and cause distension.
The primary causes of obesity in dogs are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat on your dog.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) often referred to as “bloat,” is a serious condition caused by abnormal dilatation and twisting of the stomach in dogs. Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed...
Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the cells that form blood vessels, and when these tumors rupture, serious internal bleeding can occur. Hemangiosarcoma is considered to be a very aggressive tumor...
Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid caused by the leakage of fluid into the abdomen from blood vessels, lymphatics, internal organs or abdominal masses. Treatment will vary depending on the cause...
An abdominal radiograph is a procedure that allows your veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath the skin.
Hemoperitoneum is blood within the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity; it accumulates in the space between the inner lining of the abdominal wall and the internal abdominal organs. Common causes include trauma,...
An ultrasound evaluates the internal organs of the abdomen through the use of sound waves. Ultrasound and X-rays often go hand-in-hand because ultrasound shows a motion picture of the organs as they are...
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