Overview

Peritonitis occurs when the sterile environment of the abdominal cavity is breached, typically due to the rupture of an internal organ, such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, or gallbladder, or through penetrating trauma. This breach allows bacteria, digestive fluids, or other irritants to spill into the abdomen, triggering an intense, widespread inflammatory response. The body’s attempt to contain this irritation often results in severe systemic illness, characterized by significant pain, fluid accumulation, and potentially the development of sepsis.

Clinically, pets with peritonitis frequently present with sudden-onset illness, appearing dull, painful, and reluctant to move. Owners may notice the pet adopting a 'praying' position, with the hindquarters elevated while the head and front legs are held low, as this helps to alleviate abdominal tension. Without rapid veterinary intervention to identify and address the underlying source of the inflammation, the condition can progress to shock, organ failure, and death.

Symptoms to Watch For

The following signs may indicate Peritonitis:

• Severe abdominal pain or tenderness upon touch

• Adopting a 'praying' or 'stretched' posture

• Lethargy or extreme weakness

• Repeated vomiting or retching

• Abdominal distension or bloating

• Loss of appetite

• Fever or, in severe cases, low body temperature

Underlying Causes

The most common causes include gastrointestinal perforation (often from foreign body ingestion or tumors), rupture of the bladder, gallbladder or uterus, penetrating wounds, or complications following abdominal surgery.

Treatment Options

Standard care requires immediate hospitalization for stabilization with intravenous fluids, pain management, and broad-spectrum antibiotics, followed by emergency exploratory surgery to identify and repair the source of the abdominal contamination and potentially perform abdominal lavage to remove infectious material.

Prevention Strategies

Prevention focuses on keeping pets away from dangerous objects that could cause gastrointestinal blockage or perforation, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, managing chronic inflammatory conditions (like pancreatitis or IBD) under veterinary guidance, and seeking immediate medical care following any abdominal trauma.

Long-Term Care & Management

Long-term management involves strict activity restriction for several weeks following surgery, careful monitoring of the surgical incision for signs of infection, adhering to prescribed medication schedules, and regular follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and the healing of internal tissues.