Peritonitis in dogs is a disease that can become very serious, depending on the cause. For this reason, it has a difficult prognosis; its evolution and outcome are very hard to predict.
For this same reason, in this AnimalWised article we want to explain a little more about this disease, its symptoms and its treatment, so you can understand how it manifests and how it can be treated by a veterinarian. Keep reading and learn all about peritonitis in dogs.
What is peritonitis in dogs?
The peritoneum is a membrane that lines the internal side of the abdominal cavity and the abdominal viscera. Its main function is to protect and to absorb liquids which should not be present in this anatomical area.
When we speak of peritonitis, then, we are referring to an inflammation of this membrane, which can be generalized or localized. Of course, the latter has a better prognosis.
What are the causes of peritonitis?
There are several factors that may cause peritonitis to develop in your dog, but the most common cause is infection due to a perforation of the gastrointestinal tract - including the stomach, esophagus, intestine or gallbladder. This perforation can happen due to ingesting something sharp or during surgery, or due to a blow.
Other causes of peritonitis may be:
- Cancer
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Stenosis (narrowing of the ducts of the gallbladder)
- Bacteria
- Trauma to the abdomen
- Other body fluids entering the peritoneum
Symptoms of peritonitis in dogs
The possible symptoms experienced by a dog before a state of peritonitis are numerous, and not all of them manifest all the time. In fact, just a couple of these symptoms may be a sign of peritonitis, so it's important to be observant.
The most common symptoms of peritonitis in dogs are:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain
- Abdominal enlargement
- Abdominal distension
If you notice these symptoms you should take your dog to the vet immediately. For a full diagnosis of peritonitis, the veterinarian will perform other diagnostic tests as well as a full scan or ultrasound to confirm that there is indeed an inflammation of the peritoneum.
How is peritonitis in dogs diagnosed?
It is very important to go to the vet immediately as soon as you suspect that your dog may suffer peritonitis.
The expert will carry out a thorough physical examination based on these symptoms and may be able to explain the cause. The process for a complete diagnosis includes standard examination, a biochemical profile, a complete blood count and urinalysis.
In the biochemical profile, hepatic enzyme levels will appear high, and there will be bile in the urine. A radiography and an ultrasound scan will allow the visualization of the liver and of the bile leakage. All these tests together will make sure whether your pet has peritonitis or not.
Treatment of peritonitis in dogs
The treatment will depend on the type and severity of the peritonitis. Generally, there are three basic guidelines in its treatment:
- Stabilize the physiological values of the dog
- Treat the infection
- Locate and correct the cause
Surgery may be necessary in some cases, such as when there is an accumulation of liquid and abdominal drainage is required. As mentioned, the prognosis of peritonitis varies from animal to animal, and will also depend on the cause.
Whatever the case, good veterinary care and attentive home care will help your dog overcome this disease.
How to prevent peritonitis in dogs
There is little that can be done to prevent peritonitis, except for watching closely that your dog does not eat any sharp objects. Regular visits to the vet can help detect it before your dog's health has time to deteriorate.
Like in any other disease, the sooner it is detected, the sooner it can be treated, and the sooner your pet can recover.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Peritonitis in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend you visit our Bacterial diseases category.