Is liver ascites contagious in dogs

Canine hepatic ascites is not normally contagious. Hepatic ascites is a chronic secondary disease that is characterised by a marked change in abdominal appearance, with marked drooping of the abdomen and symmetrical distention on both sides. The abdomen is volatile to palpation with a watery sound and the back and ribs are clearly prominent. The dog becomes increasingly lethargic and reluctant to move around. The disease is not generally contagious.