Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis) in Dogs

The dog’s abdominal cavity is lined by the peritoneum. This membrane lubricates the contents of the abdomen by excreting a small amount of fluid. This membrane also helps with inflammation by forming scars. When a dog has peritonitis, this membrane is highly inflamed and too much fluid builds up within the abdominal cavity. 

Peritonitis is caused when a dog’s abdominal cavity becomes infected or inflamed. An increase of fluid in the peritoneum occurs and the dog exhibits symptoms of severe illness.

The symptoms of dog abdominal cavity inflammation are easy to recognize. If your dog has any of the following symptoms, either one or more than one, it is important to contact your veterinarian. Symptoms include:

• Repeated vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Distended abdomen
• Pain in the abdomen

Types

There are two types of peritonitis, and both of them result in the same symptoms. Treatment may vary depending on the type.  They include:

Spontaneous Peritonitis 

Spontaneous peritonitis is a fluid collection in the peritoneal cavity where fungi or bacteria to cause an infection. Otherwise known as ascites, the fluid in the abdomen comes from blood vessels, organs, masses in the abdomen, or the lymphatic system. Dogs that have heart, liver, or kidney disease can suffer from spontaneous peritonitis.

Secondary Peritonitis 

When another disorder causes the infection, secondary peritonitis occurs. Bacteria can spread because of an injury or inflammation in the abdomen.

Dog abdominal cavity inflammation can be serious, and if not seen by a veterinarian it can be life-threatening. Fluid builds up within the abdominal cavity, and there are specific causes for this. Causes include:

• Wound or injury of the abdomen
• Ruptured appendix
• Perforated colon
• Stomach ulcer
• Diverticulitis
• Inflamed pancreas
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease

If your dog is experiencing any of the above symptoms, the veterinarian will perform specific tests to check for abdominal cavity inflammation and the stage of severity. These tests will include an abdominal fluid sample along with a culture to identify the bacteria type, a blood count, a biochemical profile, an ultrasound or x-ray of the abdomen area, or any other test the veterinarian feels your dog should have.

The imaging techniques, such as a radiograph and an ultrasound, will allow the veterinarian to take a closer look at any fluid, gas, or an abscess. Once fluid in the abdomen is determined, the veterinarian may also take a sample to be analyzed. Once the diagnosis is complete, the veterinarian will determine the type of treatment the dog needs to help heal from this serious inflammation.

The veterinarian will make the decision to treat the peritonitis either surgically or non-surgically.  This depends on what has specifically caused this inflammation to occur. If the peritonitis is serious, and surgery must be performed, the veterinarian may choose to perform an exploratory surgery to seek out more of the underlying cause and to plan for the surgery itself. 

Intravenous fluids

Intravenous fluids are given to restore the proper fluids in the dog’s system.  Fluid and electrolytes will be given to the dog and the dog will have to be kept in the hospital for this procedure. 

Dietary Changes

A low-sodium diet will be highly recommended by the veterinarian to help with fluid retention and if the dog is diagnosed with a heart disease. Nutrition can be given via feeding tube or by an injection. 

Surgery

Surgery may have to be performed if the dog has a bacterial infection that has caused the peritonitis. The abdomen is flushed and “washed” with saline. Unfortunately, many dogs do not recover from this as it is a life-threatening condition.

Medications

If the peritonitis is somewhat manageable, your dog will be given the appropriate medications, such as antibiotics and medications to control any pain your pet is having. It is important to have your canine family member finish all medications given.

Once your dog is home and after the main treatment is over, he will have to be monitored closely. It is important to watch for any recurring symptoms and other different behaviors that may allude to illness. Your pet will more than likely be on antibiotics for quite some time. 

Depending on the severity of the peritonitis, your dog can recover, but it is a very serious condition, and if not caught early and treated, it can be life-threatening. Be sure to listen to your veterinarian’s instructions on any other aftercare procedures and keep all of the follow-up appointments to stay proactive in this serious illness.