Any dog can get an inflammation of the liver including this breed.
Other issues that can cause abdominal swelling include tumors of the spleen, heart issues, cushings disease, and if you are sure its only fluid causing the swelling kidney issues, and yes liver problems might be the source as could abdominal masses, ingesting something toxic, heartworm disease triggering heart failure etc.
Diseases such as hepatitis and leptospirosis can also cause this.
And of course if you have a puppy a swollen abdomen is most likely from intestinal worms.
You can read about ascites in dogs here
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/ascites-in-dogs/page1.aspx
scroll down on the page to see treatments etc.
This site from the breed club does not list liver issues as a known problem
http://www.ratterrierclub.com/facts/
Hope this helps you!
Edited by NHolmes on January 21 2006 at 4:00pm__________________
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