Acute Peritonitis

Fluids, organic debris, cells, infectious organisms, and pus accumulate in the cavity in acute peritonitis. Without treatment, it can be fatal quickly. The causes can be from external injury or internal infections or diseases, such as bowel puncture from trauma or rupture from disease or ingested foreign bodies, with escape of contaminated bowel contents into the abdominal cavity; infections from abdominal cavity puncture, or after surgery, or spreading from infections in other abdominal organs or other areas of the body; damage to the urinary system, with escape of urine into the abdominal cavity; damage to the pancreas or liver with escape of bile or pancreatic enzymes into the abdominal cavity; and rupture of an infected uterus or prostate gland.

Signs of Acute Peritonitis

Acute peritonitis is accompanied by a severe pain and abdominal tenderness. The dog usually walks with a stiff gait and the abdominal muscles are rigid in an attempt to guard the abdomen. There is loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, increased heart and respiratory rate, and symptoms of shock develop in a few hours.

Diagnosis of Acute Peritonitis

The diagnosis is made by the signs, a physical examination, absence of bowel sounds, and evidence of fluid in the abdomen. X-rays and laboratory tests confirm the diagnosis. An abdominal fluid sample may be withdrawn and examined microscopically to assist in identifying the cause of the peritonitis. If bacterial infection is present, a culture and sensitivity test on the abdominal fluid to determine the antibiotic to use in treatment may be needed.

Treatment of Acute Peritonitis

Treatment is directed at removing the cause, and if organ rupture or perforation has occurred, surgery is essential to repair the injury or to drain an abscess. Antibiotics will be given to control infection. Treatment for shock and symptomatic and supportive care, including the use of pain relievers and intravenous feeding, will be required in most cases.

Prognosis for Acute Peritonitis

The prognosis depends on the severity of the peritonitis and on how quickly treatment is started.