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Condition Overview
Inflammation of the cavity containing the abdominal organs is called peritonitis. Peritonitis can be localized or diffuse. In localized peritonitis an apron of fat (called the omentum) seals off and contains the source of contamination.
Symptoms
Dogs with generalized peritonitis have severe abdominal pain and are reluctant to move. Vomiting is common. Pressing on the abdomen causes the dog to groan. The abdomen has a tucked-up appearance and feels rigid or board-like, owing to reflex spasms of the abdominal wall muscles.
Dehydration, infection, and shock rapidly ensue. The pulse is weak and thready, breathing is rapid and labored, and the gums are cool and pale. The capillary refill time is prolonged more than 3 seconds. Collapse and death occur in a matter of hours.
All symptoms +
Causes
Peritonitis occurs when digestive enzymes, food, stool, bacteria, ruptured ulcers, perforations caused by gastrointestinal foreign bodies, intestinal obstructions, rupture of the uterus, rupture of the bladder, acute pancreatitis, penetrating wounds of the abdomen, and breakdown of suture lines following intestinal surgery.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by veterinary examination.
Treatment
Immediate veterinary treatment is essential for survival. Intravenous fluids and broad spectrum antibiotics are given to treat dehydration and shock. Surgical exploration is needed as soon as the dog is able to tolerate general anesthesia.
After the source of the peritonitis is repaired, the peritoneal cavity is repeatedly flushed to remove all foreign material. The surgeon may decide to pack the abdominal wound open with gauze pads to facilitate drainage of the infected peritoneal fluid. An incision left open can be closed at a later date.
Localized peritonitis may respond to fluid replacement and antibiotics alone.
Prevention
There is no prevention for this condition.
Support
Seek immediate veterinary attention if you think your pet may have this condition.
Sources
Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook
Publisher: Wiley Publishing, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Authors: Debra M. Eldredge, Liisa D. Carlson, Delbert G. Carlson, James M. Giffen MD
4 Comments For "Peritonitis"
Guest
our Beagle max developed this problem and in 2 days was in agony, he seemed to pick up the day after the first bout then went down hill. it was devastating he was in so much pain we could not believe it to see him was just terrible today is the day we have an appointment at the vets to go and see him 11th August 2011 the vet said he had a good night but it all depends on the next 48-72 hours we just hope it is good news we are devastated, if your dog starts pulling his tummy up like he is straining get him to the vets fast.
August 11, 2011 at 4:05AM Sign In or Join to Comment
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August 11, 2011 at 6:50AM Sign In or Join to Comment
Guest
Is peritonitis a common problem in dogs?
If so, what is the % of the cases usually result in surgery?
January 27, 2012 at 1:41PM Sign In or Join to Comment
Guest
Our Shadoodle got sick all of a sudden. She could walk but like a drunk and dragging herself. Took her to vets. Kept her for the week end and treated her for Bacteria. She did good. That night she went into heavy panting (shock). Stayed and kept her alert all night. Took her to another vet. She had got shot with an o2 pistol and the BB lodged net to the abdomen wall. She was diagnoised with peritonitis.
Vet kept her for 5 more day. Went home on Flagyl and some other meds and was doing good. She had been on them for 6 weeks. Her white blood count had dropped from 68000 to 24000.
All of a sudden she couldn't walk had a reaction to flagyl. They put her on baytril and someother meds. Got back all right. Then over night she had a fever of 104.7. The fever was around the upper and lower intestine. She is now in surgery today. They are going to drain the fluid around the abdomen and analize then if nothing do exploratory surgery. She does great sometimes as long as she is on meds. Then over night she is down. She has a will to live and I hope after all of this she makes it.
May 17, 2012 at 3:28PM Sign In or Join to Comment
Guest
My Collie cross developed peritonitus. He has been ill for three weeks now. Disorientated, shalllw breathing, temp of 40·C, vomiting, dark stools, lack of appetite, stiff back legs and acting as though he was drunk. He also started praying a lot (down on elbows with head on floor and bum in air). Vet gave him xrays and thought it was congested lungs so he got Baytril and Metacam. Then vet thojght it was lungworm so he got treated for that. He got worse during week 2 and was given more Metacam, Synulox and Clindacyl. Week three we went to give him his daily dose of pills and he wouldn't take them. He had dug a hole in the back yard and was lying in it not moving and wouldn't even look at us. Called vet who told us to take him in for emergency surgery. We did and it turns out there was half a tennis ball lodged in his intestives whoch had perforated the lining and cause an infection (all his food was going through to his bloodstream). After 3 hours operating and one nights stay at the vets, our wee man is home again with a large wound on his belly and 8 inches mossing from his intestines. The ball did not show up on xrays as it was not dense enough and it was slowly killing him. I just wanted to warn other dog owners of this problem. There is onlh a 50/50 chance of surviving this condition but our cwee man did The vet has called him a miracle. Please seek veterinary advice if your pet has the same symptoms... Before it is too late.
August 19, 2012 at 10:17AM Sign In or Join to Comment