What is Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis)?
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.
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Symptoms of Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis) in Dogs
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.
Causes of Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis) in Dogs
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
Diagnosis of Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis) in Dogs
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.
Treatment of Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis) in Dogs
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.
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Recovery of Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis) in Dogs
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.
Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis) Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $100 - $3,000
Average Cost
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Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Bichon Frise
stella
1 Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Vomiting
My bichon has been hospitalized for a few days now. Her illness began with vomitting, diarhea, lethargy. After a few days her symptoms are lethargy, and fever. The newest symptom is a bruised area on her abdomen about 3 inches by 1 inch oblong. Doctors don't know what's going on and think the bruised area may be 'skin death' and will need to be removed. If you have any ideas please let me know.
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
The symptoms which you describe (vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and fever) are a common collection of symptoms which are indicative of many different conditions. A physical examination along with blood or urinary tests may be used to narrow in on a definitive diagnosis. Regarding the ‘skin death’ or bruising; without seeing the lesion, I wouldn’t be able to comment. Skin lesions may occur secondary to internal disease; again, blood tests would give an indication of Stella’s internal health particularly liver, kidney function as well as complete blood count. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Our 13year old welsh Springer spaniel was rushed to the vets on Thursday morning he couldn't stand,retching trying to be sick,he wouldn't eat or drink,the vet get have him painkillers and sent him home,and take him back 8hours later.
The boy was in a bad way!terrified Gwyneth took him straight back to the vet and then to the pet hospital he was operated on till 23.30 that evening.they found a key chain in his stomach and intestine. He is still in a bad way in hosital, still on a drip and refusing to eat.heart breaking.Gwyneth had to apply for an £8000.00 loan to cover the vet bills.
If your reading this please Insure your pets. As it's hard enough dealing with this tragedy without worrying about the cost.
I'm praying constantly for this beautiful little boy and I'm sure the vet staff are taking great care of him.
Aug. 30, 2017
Megin D.
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Abdominal Cavity Inflammation (Peritonitis) Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $100 - $3,000
Average Cost
$800
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