EN
The main causes of ascites in dogs are: cirrhosis of the liver, chronic circulatory insufficiency, peritoneum infections, metabolic disorders and new-growth tumors. The aim of the research was to assess the efficacy of cytological diagnosis of the peritoneal cavity fluid in 25 dogs of different breeds and both sexes, displaying symptoms of ascites. Morphological blood tests comprising the designation of the erythrocytes number, hematocrite value, hemoglobin concentration, MCV, MCH, MCHC values and platelets count were conducted in the examined dogs. The concentration of urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, AP, total bilirubin, protein, albumins, diastase and lipase were determined in the biochemical tests of blood serum. Abdominal cavity and heart USG was performed in all the animals and the abdominal fluid was collected for physical and biochemical examinations. The obtained sediment was subjected to cytological examinations. In the performed examinations new-grown tumors were diagnosed in 5 (20%) dogs the on the basis of the cytological fluid test. USG diagnosis suggested neoplastic lesions in 2 (8%) cases. Cytological diagnosis proved to be the most sensitive and specific method in establishing the neoplastic etiology of ascites.