Peritonitis in dogs is a disease that can become very serious, always depending on the cause, and for this reason it has a guarded prognosis, neither its evolution nor its outcome can be predicted. For this same reason, in this article we want you to know a little more about this disease and how it can manifest itself in your dog and how it can be treated at the veterinary level.
Keep reading this article on our site to find out everything about peritonitis in dogs, its symptoms and treatment, as well as its respective diagnosis and Causes.
What is peritonitis in dogs?
The peritoneum is a membrane that lines internally the abdominal cavityAs well as the abdominal viscera, its main function is protection and absorption of liquids, which should not be present in this anatomical area. When we talk about peritonitis in dogs we are referring to a inflammation of this membrane, which can occur in a generalized or localized way, obviously, the second option has a better forecast.
Causes of peritonitis in dogs
There are several factors that can develop peritonitis in our dog, an infection or obstruction of the gallbladder ducts, although the main causes are:
- Cancer
- Bacteria
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
- Stenosis: Narrowing of the gallbladder ducts
- Trauma in the abdomen area
Symptoms of peritonitis in dogs
The symptoms that a dog experiences in a state of peritonitis are several and they do not have to manifest all of them. The manifestation of various symptoms may occur but it may also be that peritonitis occurs with only some of these symptoms, so it is important to be alert.
The most conventionalsymptoms of canine peritonitis are as follows:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain
- Abdominal enlargement
- Abdominal distension
You may be wondering if there is a possibility of death from peritonitis in dogs and, although it is a disease of the digestive system of dogs delicate and complicated, if it is not treated well our furry friends are at risk of dying as it spreads very quickly.
In the presence of these symptoms you should immediately go to the vet The diagnosis of peritonitis is not only made through clinical manifestations but also the veterinarian will carry out other diagnostic tests that we will discuss below.
Diagnosis of canine peritonitis
As we mentioned before, when you suspect that your dog may suffer from peritonitis, it is very important to go to the vet immediately. The expert will give your pet a thorough physical exam based on the symptoms you detect and that could explain the causes. The full diagnostic profile includes:
- Standard exam.
- Biochemical profile: Liver enzymes will be elevated and bile will also be present in the urine. X-rays and ultrasounds.
- Complete blood count.
- Urine analysis.
- X-rays and ultrasounds: These will allow the liver and bile leakage to be visualized.
Treatment of peritonitis in dogs
The treatment will depend on the type of peritonitis and the severity. Generally, there are three basic guidelines in the treatment of canine peritonitis:
- Stabilize the dog's physiological constants
- Treat infection if present
- Locate and correct the cause
In some cases an operation may be necessary for peritonitis which will lead to a recovery of the dogs that suffer from it. These surgical interventions, for example, when there is an accumulation of fluids and abdominal drainage is needed.
As we have mentioned, the prognosis of peritonitis varies according to each animal and the causes of the disease. In any case, good veterinary care and some strict home care will help your dog overcome this disease. Finally, it is worth mentioning that there are no home remedies for peritonitis in dogs.
Prevention of peritonitis in dogs
There is no prevention to avoid peritonitis. Regular visits to the vet can help you detect it earlier, which is a time advantage. Remember that, like any disease, the sooner you spot it, the sooner you can act and the easier treatment and recovery will be.
