What Is The Acute Stomach In Dogs?
The acute abdomen in dogs creates a lot of pain. It’s usually related to conditions like canine peritonitis. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential to provide effective, prompt treatment. Today we tell you in our article about the symptoms and causes of the acute abdomen in dogs.
The acute stomach in dogs: what is it and how does it come about?
The acute abdomen , or acute abdomen, is usually viewed as a complex symptom rather than a disease of its own. Typical signs are acute pain, diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, weakness and depression.
The acute abdomen is almost always related to diseases that affect the abdominal region. This also includes peritonitis.
In some cases, however , the acute abdomen is a consequence of the exacerbation of a chronic disease of the organs of the abdominal area.
What is canine peritonitis?
Peritonitis is a sudden, acute inflammation of the tissues of the abdominal cavity. As a result, the organism stores large amounts of fluid in the area, which is noticeable as a significant swelling.
This excessive fluid retention also usually causes severe dehydration and electrolytic imbalance. So you have to pay close attention to the symptoms and, if necessary, take your animal to the vet immediately.
Usually, peritonitis in dogs progresses very quickly. Many animals reach the vet in shock or in a coma. In this case, the veterinarian will likely start anti-shock therapy before moving on to diagnosis.
Symptoms of the acute abdomen in dogs
The first symptoms are often not particularly specific, but they are easy to spot. The animal constantly looks tired, breathes heavily and its appetite is reduced. Then it begins to tremble or whine incessantly as it feels such pain in the abdomen.
The following symptoms are associated with the progression of peritonitis in the animal’s organism:
- lethargy
- Changes in posture and lying position: the dogs often look for a position in which they feel the pain less.
- The abdomen is distended and / or stiff to the touch.
- Acute Pain: Many dogs cry out in pain just touching or brushing their stomach.
- Diarrhea (usually black in color)
If the inflammation affects the stomach or intestines, vomiting is common. Many dogs also have a fever.
As with many diseases , canine peritonitis symptoms get worse as the disease progresses. In many cases, the animals reach the doctor in a state of shock.
This is why it is extremely important to get an early diagnosis. It allows effective treatment and avoids serious complications. So you have to go to the vet immediately if you notice any of the symptoms described above.
Causes of the acute abdomen in dogs
The majority of diagnoses are related to the body’s own and infectious causes, such as:
- Viral diseases affecting the stomach and / or intestines
- Abdominal influenza
- Canine peritonitis
- Endoparasites in the gastrointestinal area
- Uterine inflammation (usually caused by bacteria)
- Holes in the stomach or intestines
- Abscesses in the spleen, liver, pancreas, or intestines
Non-inflammatory causes of acute abdomen in dogs
Many dogs also suffer from acute abdomen because of other factors :
- poisoning
- Certain types of ulcers
- Congenital diseases or deformities
- Trauma to the abdomen
- Inguinal hernia
- Stomach distension
- Kidney or gallstones
Treatment of the acute abdomen in dogs
Specific treatment is prescribed by the veterinarian after diagnosing the causes. The drugs and procedures are designed to combat or control the underlying disease.
Often, intravenous therapies used to compensate for the dehydration and malnutrition. Pain relievers may also be prescribed to relieve the animal’s intense pain.
Because the associated diseases often progress quickly, surgery is necessary in many cases.
