So it's been about 1 month since we found Jack's liver tumor.  He is doing fine except for the tons of fluid that has been building up in his abdomen as a result of his liver failure.  My vet wanted to do x-rays, bloodwork, ultrasounds, etc before she would go in and drain the fluid, and I didn't want to do all those nor could I afford it.  So I asked one of the vets at the clinic where I had my externship, and she had no problem doing a "therapeutic abdominocentesis" where she would tap off liquid just to give him a little bit of relief.  We went in last night and had the procedure done, and after 2 exams, an ultrasound (included in the centesis cost of $92), and the actual abdominocentesis, Jack hopped out of there 900mL lighter…that's almost an entire IV bag of extra fluid!!!  He still has fluid in his tummy and it will build up again, but for now he has a couple more days of relief :)  When we got back home last night, he hopped all the way from the elevator to our front door without stopping which he hasn't done in about a week!  Has anybody else had this procedure done?  How did your dog respond?  So far, I would say it's been a positive thing to have done as Jack seems to be getting up and moving around more today than he had been previously. 

Here is a picture of Jack's swollen belly.  Also, you can see how skinny he's getting because his tumor is eating all his nutrients.  After all the fluid was gone last night, he actually looked less emaciated because his bones didn't stick out as much due to being pushed around by the weight and mass of his abdomen:

I'd be curious to know of others experiences both with ascites or abdominocentesis.  Thanks!

<3 Laura and her Geriatric 6 Year Old

Laura,

I'm sorry that you and Jack are having to go through this… But I'm glad that the abdominocentesis gave him some temporary relief.

Sending both you and Jackers a big fat hug!!!

Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom

Laura – so sorry you and Jack are going through this. Glad that he's finding some relief with this procedure and that he's moving around more now. I've never heard of this procedure either but we will definitely be keeping you and Jack in our thoughts and prayers.

Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)

Laura,

No experience here either, but it's always good to learn of these procedures so thanks for sharing that with all of us. Sorry you have to go through this with your pup, I'm sure you've very stressed. You have incredible strength, because of your deep love & devotion to Jack. Jack is blessed to have you as his pawrent. You're both in our thoughts & prayers.

Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe

Laura,

I have no experience either with this procedure but wanted to express my thoughts to you and Jack as well.  Hugs to you and he…

Tracy, Maggie's Mom

Thanks guys!  I guess ascites only makes them uncomfortable, but it won't really hurt him, per se.  I appreciate everyone pulling for us, but he's already gone almost 15 months post-amputation, plus 8 more months undiagnosed…I'd say that's pretty darn amazing :)