At WTVS, we perform ultrasound-guided abdominocentesis to safely and accurately collect or remove fluid from your pet’s abdomen. This minimally invasive procedure helps us diagnose the cause of abdominal swelling, discomfort, or breathing difficulty—and can also provide relief if too much fluid has built up.
What to Expect:
Your pet will be gently positioned and kept comfortable while we prepare a small area on their belly. Using real-time ultrasound guidance, our specialist pinpoints the exact location of the fluid and carefully inserts a needle to collect a sample. Most pets remain calm throughout the procedure, and sedation is uncommonly needed.
Why It’s Important:
The abdominal fluid sample gives us vital information about your pet’s health. Laboratory testing can reveal whether the fluid is due to infection, inflammation, liver or heart disease, cancer, or other conditions. In some cases, removing excess fluid also helps your pet feel more comfortable and breathe more easily right away.
After the Procedure:
The collected sample is submitted for diagnostic testing, and your veterinarian will review the results with you as soon as they’re ready. They are also welcome to contact us to discuss the results further. Most pets recover quickly and can return to normal activity soon after the visit.