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The differential diagnosis of ascites is discussed. 107 dogs with ascites were examined. The mean age of the dogs was relatively high. Therefore many dogs were multimorbid. The classification of ascites into transudate and exudate was of limited value. The activity of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the ascitic fluid was a potent parameter in differentiating cardiac, neoplastic and infectious ascites. For the diagnosis of a neoplastic cause of the ascites, a LDH activity range from 200-1600 U/l was useful. The predictive value of the positive result was 87%, and the predictive value of the negative result was 88%.

The activity of MAO (EC 1.4.3.4) was measured in liver homogenates of mice with experimental tumours Sarcoma S-180 and Leukemia L-1210. The enzyme activity was determined by two methods: spectrophotometric--with benzylamine as a substrate and the second with the application of oxygen electrode and adrenaline as a substrate. An increase of the enzyme activity was observed in liver homogenates of mice with Sarcoma S-180 as compared with the controls. High activity of MAO with both substrates was also observed in Sarcoma ascites. In Leukemia L-1210 changes of activity in relation to adrenaline as a substrate were very small, but towards benzylamine the affinity of enzyme was higher (the increase of activity was about 50%).