Extremely dangerous peritonitis in dogs: how not to miss the symptoms and care after treatment. Peritonitis

The inflammatory process in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity in dogs is called peritonitis. There are local and general shape diseases, as well as acute and chronic. Most dangerous form is a general acute peritonitis, which develops rapidly and, if measures are not taken to stop the disease, initial stage, the prognosis of veterinarians is unfavorable - mortality from acute peritonitis reaches 48%.

According to the nature of the course, acute and chronic peritonitis are distinguished. With the latter, inflammation is accompanied by mild symptoms: the temperature rises from time to time, sometimes the animal suffers from quick-passing colic, the dog gradually loses weight, and due to the accumulation of exudate, the abdomen changes shape (due to which peritonitis can be confused with or pearl oyster). Chronic peritonitis is often accompanied by adhesive process, the formation of fibrin films on the peritoneum. Toxins entering the bloodstream gradually poison the body: the heart rate increases, and intestinal function slows down.

With peritonitis, the dog’s health worsens and its abdomen becomes swollen.

Local (local) peritonitis occurs due to unsuccessful surgical interventions, as well as due to injuries internal organs, which the dog was able to carry on its feet. Most often, local peritonitis does not lead to a significant deterioration in health, but with some pathologies and lack of treatment it can progress to general peritonitis. In this case, the dog will need prompt veterinary care to prevent death.

Reasons for the development of peritonitis

Peritonitis is mainly secondary disease that arose (in 99% of cases) against the background of other serious diseases. Cases of peritonitis primary disease so rare that they can be ignored.

The most common reasons are:

• Various types of injuries to the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, due to ingestion of sharp foreign objects or after operations in abdominal cavity. It can also be caused when the dog actively moves or swims after a hearty feeding. In this case, there is a risk of intestinal rupture, when a loop of intestine twists and bursts under pressure. In this case, peritonitis develops very quickly and, if you delay in contacting veterinary clinic, the chances of saving the dog are extremely small.
• Severe bruises, penetrating wounds to the abdomen.
• Exacerbation of the tuberculosis process.
• Infectious diseases of the pelvic and abdominal organs.

Important. In acute infectious diseases, there is a high risk of developing viral peritonitis, when, due to intestinal perforation, a large number of infected microflora.

Main symptoms of the disease

Signs of developing peritonitis strongly depend on the phase of the disease and its severity.

At acute form The disease exhibits the following symptoms:

• Depressed state.
• High body temperature.
• Loss of appetite.
• Reducing the animal's body weight.
• The dog tightens its stomach, the muscles of which are noticeably tense. Touching it causes noticeable pain.
• Often the animal lies down on a cold surface or, on the contrary, cannot lie down (the animal stands without moving and whines).
• Increasing apathy and falling body temperature indicate that the disease is entering its final stage, followed by death.

If in an acute form, which most often develops over several hours ( maximum duration general peritonitis - two weeks), the symptoms are bright and noticeable, then when chronic course disease, signs of inflammation are much less pronounced. Often, due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, its volume increases, which can be seen with the naked eye.

Stages of diagnosis

In order to determine the presence of peritonitis in a dog, first of all, a survey and examination of the animal is carried out. Quite often, the cause of the inflammation becomes clear from the owner’s story, which greatly facilitates the further treatment process. Upon examination important signs Peritonitis are: abdominal pain, fever, weak pulse of the animal, increased abdominal volume.

After this, in most cases, general and biochemical analysis s blood. Sometimes, to clarify the clinical picture, additional research, such as: ultrasound or x-ray of the abdominal cavity, a test puncture of the fluid, which helps to distinguish peritonitis from diseases with a similar clinical picture.

How to help your dog at the first signs of illness

First of all, if there is a suspicion of peritonitis, you should take the animal to a veterinarian. In the case of acute general peritonitis, only timely treatment can save the dog’s life.

A sick animal will most likely refuse to eat on its own. You should not try to feed your dog at any cost. If the diagnosis is confirmed, food entering the intestinal tract can only aggravate the condition of the four-legged patient.

Basic methods of treating peritonitis

Therapy will vary greatly, depending on the form and cause of the disease, but in all cases the animal is prescribed a starvation diet, and accumulated pus is removed from the abdomen.

• Taking antibiotics and painkillers (in the case of local peritonitis, this is usually enough for a successful recovery).
• Surgical intervention followed by installation of drainage to remove pus over several days.
• Laparotomy.
• Utohemotherapy.
• Lactotherapy.
• Intravenous administration of electrolytes, plasma replacement solutions, cardiac glycosides, etc.
• After finishing the fasting diet, it is allowed to give liquid food in small portions.

Advice. Culture of abdominal fluid a few days after surgery will help, if necessary, adjust therapy and achieve best results treatment.

Features of laparotomy

This surgery(dissection of the anterior abdominal wall) is performed in cases where it is necessary to gain access to internal organs. In the case of peritonitis, laparotomy is required if there is a perforation of the stomach or intestinal walls.

The veterinarian performs the following activities:

• Novocaine blockade of the splanchnic nerves.
• Taking antibiotics.
• Taking sulfonamides.
• Taking general strengthening medications.
• Taking medications that improve heart function.
• Intravenous administration of drugs to detoxify the body.

Features of the postoperative period

Any operation is only half the battle. For full recovery the correct one is needed post-operative care, and does not matter, we're talking about about two-legged or four-legged patients. In the case of peritonitis, how carefully the dog's owner follows the veterinarian's instructions depends on whether the dog survives.

In almost all cases, veterinarian appoints the following activities:

• Antibacterial therapy (taking antibiotics:, etc.). A four-legged patient is prescribed intramuscular injections, the dose of the drug is calculated based on the dog’s weight. IN different situations the doctor may prescribe a single injection per day, or divide the necessary daily dose twice.
• Physiotherapeutic measures (infraruuge, Minin lamp, Sollux lamp), compresses on the abdomen.

How to prevent the development of peritonitis

This disease is extremely life-threatening for the dog, so the most the best option for owners - to make every effort to prevent it.

Therefore, after carrying out planned (such as) or emergency operations It is very important to provide the dog with peace and proper care. IN otherwise there is a high risk of seams diverging, including internal ones, and further development acute peritonitis.

First of all, you should strictly follow the rules of feeding dogs, for example, give food after, and not before, a walk. Also one of the risk factors for peritonitis is various diseases gastrointestinal tract. Under no circumstances should you run them. Timely treatment will help your pet avoid complications and live a long life.

Four-legged pets bring a lot of positive things into our lives. But they, like people, also sometimes get sick and require urgent help. There are many dangerous illnesses, the signs of which can almost cause panic in the owner, and it is advisable to have at least general idea. Let's learn about one of these diseases by looking at why a dog may develop peritonitis, what its symptoms are, and what treatment involves.

What is peritonitis in dogs

It's nothing more than inflammatory process peritoneum covering inner side abdominal wall and surrounding organs. As a result of the expansion of the infection (it can be viral, fungal or microbial), exudate begins to flow into the abdominal cavity.

In the presence of edema, such fluid circulates in large volumes, which leads to poor circulation and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Such processes can stimulate increased fermentation and even rotting processes in the intestines.

Important! Peritonitis is easily confused with other ascites conditions. Therefore, do not resort to self-medication under any circumstances - mistaking a small accumulation of liquid for dropsy can harm the animal.

The result is the development of background toxicosis. In such cases, they already speak of the acute phase of the disease. It is dangerous because of its dynamics: if you delay a visit to the veterinarian, the animal will live for two weeks (sometimes the clock even counts).
Chronic peritonitis is more “extended” in time, but is also very difficult for dogs to tolerate. As you can see, the disease is truly complex. To understand where it starts, it is important to know the root cause.

Causes

Peritonitis starts and progresses due to extensive bacterial inflammation.

In turn, it can be caused by the following factors:

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There are really many reasons, and often they are related to the mistakes of the owners. Pampering your dog is good, but not all treats are suitable for him to eat. Many foods we are familiar with cause severe disruptions in the body of animals.

Forgetting this principle, there is a risk that you will soon have to face the most vivid symptoms of this disease.

Forms and symptoms

Depending on the degree of damage and its dynamics, acute and chronic forms of peritonitis are distinguished. They are the main ones, but not the only ones - others will be discussed a little below. Acute course The disease is associated with extensive inflammation affecting internal organs.

It reminds itself of itself by the following signs:

• sudden loss of appetite and immediate exhaustion;
• weakness due to rising temperature;
• rapid and shallow breathing;
• the dog tries to lie down on a cool surface, but it doesn’t work out very well. Then she becomes restless, at such moments you can hear the dog quietly whining in pain;
• a decrease in pressure is also observed;
• the most alarming symptoms are marked apathy and a drop in temperature. This means that the dog’s peritonitis has reached the most dangerous extreme stage, and an amount of bacteria has accumulated in the abdominal cavity that can cause death.

Unfortunately, in some cases veterinary care is simply useless and can only “delay” the sad outcome from 3-4 hours to 10-14 days. The chronic form is determined by the same criteria. True, here they appear not so brightly and sharply, but as if in slow motion.

Important! Normal blood pressure readings (both systolic and diastolic) differ depending on the breed. Feel free to remind your veterinarian about this - sometimes doctors forget about this nuance.

• enlargement of the abdominal cavity, where fluid-exudate accumulates;
• change in the pet's gait - he moves carefully, trying not to cause himself pain. The paws are moved with noticeable difficulty;
• increased urge to go to the toilet and increased urine output;
• nausea and vomiting;
• periodic increase in temperature. Please note that the ears and nose remain cold to the touch during this time.

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Symptoms may not be so specific. For example, dullness of fur or thirst, pallor of the mucous membrane of the mouth and eyes. They do overlap with signs of other diseases.
But it is precisely these observations that help veterinarians identify more “narrow” forms of peritonitis:

• local - small area inflammation may not cause the dog's condition to worsen. This type often accompanies pathologies such as pancreatitis or endometritis. With them improper treatment the focus gradually expands;
• such distribution leads to a general (also known as extensive or diffuse) form. The dog’s condition becomes serious, and treatment is often complicated by the presence of side problems;
• putrefactive - necrosis appears on the affected tissues, which form ulcers when organic liquids come into contact with them;
• purulent - it becomes a consequence of serious injuries, exacerbation peptic ulcer or stable disorder water balance. The purulent mass enters the exudate;
• hemorrhagic, associated with disorders circulatory system. Blood seeps into the abdominal cavity. Such a mixture, when interacting with the walls of organs, causes tissue regression;
• fibrinous (dry) - liquid is released in small doses, but reacts with the protein fibrinogen. It makes the exudate thicker (when it comes into contact with tissues, they set, and over time they grow together with the covering of other organs);
• serous, in which exudate is produced in large volumes.

It is unrealistic to determine the nature of such violations “by eye” - they do not strictly characteristic symptoms. Therefore, owners have to focus on more general manifestations, and if they are found, immediately show the animal to a veterinarian.

Pathogenesis

The first to be hit nerve endings, covering the peritoneum in abundance. Under the influence of a virus or infection, they cause pain impulses that go to the central nervous system.

Constant exposure triggers exhaustion nervous system, its regulation is disrupted. This gives rise to increased fluid removal and has a bad effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular tract and the motility of all organs in the abdominal cavity.

Vascular spasms begin to expand, blood accumulates in them - stagnation and swelling develop. The heart doesn't get everyone necessary substances and “crashes.” Through dilated capillaries, exudate with impurities of protein, blood and toxic compounds sweats into the peritoneum. As the volume of such a mixture increases, the cellular layer of the peritoneum swells and becomes covered with ulcers.
Those, having turned into a full-fledged focal layer, destroy the walls and cause its detachment. Externally this is signaled elevated temperature, vomiting and thirst. The immune capacity of the peritoneum, weakened by this time, offers virtually no resistance, although the absorption function works fully.

Important! Synchronized refusal to eat and drink is very dangerous symptom, indicating that fluid emission is at its peak.

Serous fluid, once on the walls of the stomach or intestines, forms necrosis there in the form of small white spots. During the acute course of the disease, they thickly cover the entire membrane. Products that enter the gastrointestinal tract become stale. The result is an accumulation of poisons and gases from their decomposition, causing paraleptic obstruction.

IN difficult cases their traces are visible even on the trachea - brownish formations are immediately noticeable. If we talk about blood vessels and lymph nodes, then densely distributed small dots are found there too.

At the first visit, the veterinarian will conduct an external examination and ask the owner about the age of the tailed “patient,” his habits, diet and past illnesses.
After this, a direction will be issued to general analysis blood. Increased content leukocytes will only confirm suspicions about peritonitis.

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In cases with large amounts of exudate from abdominal area a sample of the liquid is taken. A sterilized needle is used for this. This method indispensable if a chronic form of the disease is suspected.

If it is not possible to take such a sample, hardware methods are recommended:

• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• x-ray of the problem area;
• a biochemical blood test can also be added to them (if time allows you to safely wait for the results).

How is the treatment carried out?

It all depends on the condition of the animal. Exacerbations against the background open wounds eny and injuries, endometritis (in bitches - rupture of a uterine abscess) require urgent surgery. It is familiar to surgeons as laparotomy.

It is done according to the algorithm: anesthesia - novocaine blockade of the celiac nerves - an incision in the anterior part of the cavity - identification of pathology and removal of its source - suturing - restoration. The drugs used are antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs that do not cause rejection.

If so radical measures are not required, a starvation diet is used, after which a solution that relieves intoxication is injected intravenously, and the exudate itself is pumped out. After such an operation, dangerous peritonitis in a dog requires further treatment.

It comes down to taking medications that normalize heart function (Tioprotectin or other cardioprotectors). General strengthening compounds or immunomodulators are also recommended - “Gamovit”, “Immunofor” and a number of vitamin complexes.

Important! Drugs for different purposes are often not combined. Be sure to clarify this issue by asking a specialist or reading the instructions.

Along with taking vitamins, antibiotics like Api-San and Clavaseptin, Sinulox and Enroxil are often prescribed. They are sold in the form of tablets or injection solution.

There is also a place for physiotherapy - they are using blue lamps Minina and compresses on the stomach. The duration and frequency of their use (as well as the dosage of medications) is prescribed only by a doctor; self-medication is excluded.

Prognosis and prevention

At timely application See your doctor and the prognosis for local peritonitis will be favorable. WITH extensive lesions the situation is different: doctors make more cautious conclusions, allowing for an unfavorable option.

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Dogs bring a lot of joy and positivity to the life of their owner, but like others four-legged pets often susceptible various diseases. One of these dangerous pathologies is peritonitis.

But how to recognize the disease and what are the causes of its occurrence? How to cure your pet and what preventive rules Is it worth following to avoid peritonitis?

Peritonitis in dogs is a severe inflammation of the abdominal tissues, the root cause of which is often damage to internal organs by viruses, microbes or fungi.

As a result, exudate (fluid released during inflammation) accumulates in the abdominal cavity, forming edema, causing poor circulation and gastrointestinal upset.

The disease is insidious in that in the absence timely assistance leads to irreversible consequences.

Important! Peritonitis is sometimes confused with dropsy (due to accumulating fluid and edema), so the animal does not receive timely help and dies. If the dog is urgently taken to a veterinary clinic, then it can probably be saved.

Kinds

According to the nature of the course, experts distinguish acute and chronic forms of the disease.

Thus, acute peritonitis is characterized by pronounced symptoms and ends in 50% of cases. fatal, whereas with chronic symptoms more smoothed out (for example, colic occurs periodically, weight gradually decreases, increased body temperature is observed from time to time, etc.).

In addition, peritonitis can be of the following types:

1. General- characterized severe inflammation abdominal part and extremely serious condition animal.
2. Local (local)- a small area of ​​the peritoneum is inflamed and the dog feels more or less normal. However, in the absence of timely assistance, local peritonitis can develop into general peritonitis.

According to experts, the local form is quite acceptable after various surgical interventions on the abdominal organs, as well as with pathologies such as pancreatitis, endometritis, etc.

Reasons for appearance

Peritonitis, in 99% of cases, is a secondary disease (against the background of other severe pathologies). So, among common reasons The following factors are highlighted:

Attention! In case of existing infectious diseases in acute form, the risk of viral peritonitis increases.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the disease are often nonspecific and characteristic of most infectious pathologies, For example:

• lethargy and drowsiness;
• loss of appetite, even to the point of refusing food;
• increased thirst;
• frequent urination;
• increased body temperature (nose and ears are cool to the touch);
• nausea and vomiting;
• sudden weight loss;
• pain when touching the abdominal area (the dog whines);
• rapid breathing;
• the animal tries to lie down on a cold surface and expresses anxiety and whines;
• pressure drop below normal (depending on a particular breed normal indicators will be different);
• dull or tousled coat;
• pallor of the mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth;
• there is noticeable swelling in the abdominal area (due to accumulated fluid);
• the pet's gait changes (he moves his paws with great difficulty and tries to move carefully to avoid pain).

Note! Chronic form Diseases are also determined by the above signs, but the symptoms are less pronounced, and some of them may be completely absent.

Diagnostics

After examining the dog and listening to the owner’s complaints, the veterinarian will prescribe the following diagnostic tests:

1. General blood test (and in some cases biochemical, if time permits). An increased level of leukocytes in the blood will only confirm the diagnosis.
2. Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
3. X-ray of the inflamed area.
4. Fluid sample from the abdominal cavity (performed using a sterilized needle).

Based on the research results, the specialist will determine the course of treatment for the animal.

Forecast

If you consult a doctor in a timely manner (immediately after detecting alarming symptoms) the prognosis in most cases is favorable.

In case of delay and belated help, it is not always possible to save the pet. In case of existing complications (for example, adhesions of blood vessels or tissues), a repeat operation will be required.

Other complications include disruption of the functioning of internal organs and sepsis (the process of decomposition and rotting of tissues). Acute peritonitis, as a rule, lasts from several hours to 10-15 days and leads to the death of the pet (in the absence of prompt measures).

Treatment

In most cases, specialists resort to surgery (especially in the presence of open wounds and ruptures of internal organs). The operation is performed under general anesthesia. The specialist eliminates the inflammation and stitches the animal.

Antibiotics

• Tylosin;
• Clamoxil;
• Amoxicillin for animals;
• Amoxilong et al.

Painkillers are also prescribed, for example, Ketanov, Rimadyl, etc. Imunofan, Katozal, Gamavit, etc. are prescribed as general restorative drugs in the postoperative period.

Important! Self-medication and uncontrolled use various drugs may lead to the death of the animal. Therapy is carried out only under the supervision of a specialist.

In pregnant and lactating women

In case of pregnancy and breastfeeding general symptoms corresponds to the above symptoms, but the abdomen may swell to a greater extent.

If peritonitis is suspected, a pregnant dog must be urgently taken to a veterinary clinic, where doctors will make a decision on preserving the offspring (depending on the condition of the animal).

If breastfeeding, the dog should also be shown to a veterinarian and no more puppies should be allowed near it (until complete recovery).

In puppies

Breed characteristics

Regardless of the breed, the disease follows a more or less similar scenario (i.e. all breeds without exception are at risk).

However viral peritonitis Those dogs that are kept in poor sanitary conditions (lack of proper hygiene, contact with sick animals, including touching their feces) are more susceptible.

Pathology is also often found in dogs attending various exhibitions or living in shelters and kennels.

Prevention of viral diseases

The disease can be avoided if you pay enough attention to your pet. To do this, you need to follow a number of simple preventive rules, for example:

1. Stick to proper diet nutrition (avoid overeating, minimum fat and salt in food, complete failure from sweets and especially chocolate).
2. Observe correct mode rest and physical activity without overworking your pet. After eating, physical activity is completely contraindicated.
3. Treat gastrointestinal diseases in a timely manner and prevent helminthiases.
4. Conduct vaccination (according to the vaccination calendar).
5. If possible, avoid contact with stray animals.

Conclusion

Peritonitis - serious disease, which in the absence timely treatment often leads to the death of the animal.

Therefore, if characteristic symptoms are detected, it is recommended to take the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible (self-medication is strictly contraindicated). The doctor will conduct appropriate diagnostics and take necessary measures. The most important thing in this situation is the speed of reaction.

Remember: the sooner four-legged friend will receive medical care, the higher his chances of recovery and return to full life. Every second is important, and delay leads to irreversible consequences.

In contact with

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum that occurs when an infection (germs, viruses, fungi) spreads through the bloodstream or during the passage pathological process from the abdominal organs.
How primary disease peritonitis is very rare.
It occurs acutely and chronically.

Acute peritonitis develops due to lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (wall perforation foreign bodies, gastric rupture, perforated ulcer), uterus (wall perforation with pyometra, placental necrosis, postpartum sepsis), urinary and gall bladders (perforation, wall rupture), after laparocentesis and laparotomy with insufficient asepsis

Chronic peritonitis may persist after acute process, but can occur immediately as chronic, which happens, for example, with tuberculosis or streptotrichosis. It can have a limited local course (adhesive peritonitis), for example, with the formation of adhesions after surgery, with disruption of intestinal sutures, small perforations of the intestinal wall

ETIOLOGY:
- intestinal perforation;
- surgical interventions for neurological diseases of patients simultaneously treated with dexamethasone;
- combination: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs + glucocorticoids PO;
- neoplasm;
- adrenocortical adenoma;
- use of anti-inflammatory drugs;
- peritoneal surgery with infectious complications;
- torsion and incarceration of the intestines;
- penetrating abdominal wounds;
- intestinal biopsy;

PATHOGENESIS: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause inhibition of cytoprotective prostaglandins, which affects intestinal permeability and depresses their effect on lymphoid tissue.
FEATURES: The gastrointestinal tract is the cause of approximately 60% of cases of peritonitis in dogs.

Symptoms Inflammation of the peritoneum is roughly indicated by an increase in the torso, strenuous walking, and a sudden deterioration in the condition of diseases of the abdominal organs.
Acute peritonitis is a generalized disease that occurs with high temperature and very high leukocytosis (100 thousand cells or more per 1 mm3). The abdomen is tucked up, tense and painful. Urination and defecation are impaired and often absent. Sometimes vomiting, tenesmus, and rapid, shallow, chest-type breathing occur. The eyes are sunken, the mucous membranes are red, the capillary refill rate is over 2 s. The pulse is rapid, small in filling, even thread-like. The fluid aspirated during laparocentesis is cloudy, serous, purulent or bloody, containing fibrin flakes.
With chronic peritonitis, all of the above signs may not be detected. The animal is apathetic, drowsy, the belly is somewhat enlarged and saggy. Therefore, chronic peritonitis is often diagnosed only during laparotomy (opacity of the peritoneum, thickening, plaque, pinpoint bleeding).
But the blood status is indicative for both courses of peritonitis ( accelerated ESR, leukocytosis with a hyperregenerative shift of the nucleus to the left until the appearance of young and young cells).

Clinic:
depression, anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain and signs of sepsis. Some animals have melena. Abdominal radiography determines the presence of free fluid or gas.
During paracentesis they find different bacterial species in the resulting liquid. There is a connection between the use (according to medical history) of anti-inflammatory drugs non-steroidal drugs and fast sudden appearance and the development of the disease.

Summary clinic:
1. Agalaxia, lack of milk secretion;
2. Adhesion in the area of ​​the uterus, ovaries and/or cervix;
3. Anorexia (lack of appetite, refusal to eat);
4. Ascites, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity;
5. Pallor of visible mucous membranes;
6. Pain on deep palpation of the abdomen;
7. Tousled fur;
8. Generalized weakness;
9. Physical inactivity;
10. Hypothermia;
11. Dehydration;
12. Diarrhea, diarrhea;
13. Diarrhea: mucous;
14. Abdominal distension;
15. Slow growth;
16. Intra-abdominal masses;
17. Colic, abdominal pain;
18. Congestion of the oral mucosa, erythema, redness, hyperemia;
19. Xerostomia, dry mouth;
20. Lymphadenopathy;
21. Fever, pathological hyperthermia;
22. Inability to get up;
23. Unusual or foul-smelling stool;
24. Swelling of the skin;
25. Palpation: “large intestine”;
26. Decreased borborygms, gurgling sounds;
27. Reduced volume of feces, absence of bowel movements, constipation;
28. Weight loss, cachexia, general exhaustion;
29. Vomiting, regurgitation, emesis;
30. Weak, thready pulse;
31. Tachycardia, increased heart rate;
32. Dark color feces;
33. Increased frequency breathing movements, polypnea, tachypnea, hyperpnea;
34. Depression (depression, lethargy);
35. Lengthening capillary time;
36. Cold skin, ears, limbs;

Diagnosis: based on:
- clinical picture;
- proof of exudative ascites;
- hematology: leukocytosis;

Peritonitis is differentiated from ascites (blood status, laparocentesis).

Treatment. Principles.
Eliminate the underlying disease. If a lot of pus accumulates in the peritoneal cavity. then it is removed by making drainage using a gauze strip.

Technique for draining the peritoneal cavity.
Local anesthesia, position of the animal on its side, paramedian perforation of the abdominal wall 2-3 cm long.
A sterile, bordered gauze tourniquet 4 m long is inserted into the peritoneal cavity through the perforation.
When pushing through the gauze, it is soaked in an antibiotic solution. The purpose of this procedure is to remove accumulated pus. In this regard, the gauze tourniquet is pulled out in sections (1 m each) from the wound along with the pus every day for 4 days.
Before closing the wound, it is washed as deeply as possible saline solution with antibiotics. If there is a need to drain the peritoneal cavity after laparotomy, then a gauze tourniquet is passed through the caudal angle of the surgical wound.
However, these measures are very rarely necessary.
The administration of antibiotics in combination with glucocorticoids is usually sufficient. IN in some cases in case of circulatory disorders, intravenous drip infusions of electrolytes, plasma replacement solutions, cardiac glycosides, etc. are performed.

TREATMENT: SCHEME AND DOSES
Initial stabilization: infusion therapy +:
- Ampicillin 20 mg/kg/intravenous;
Immediately after restoration of hypervolemia, use:
- Gentamicin 2.2 mg/kg/8 hours intravenously/3-5 days;
Rinse the abdominal cavity with warm sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) and place drainage for 5-7 days.
Continue antimicrobial therapy for 2-3 days after clinical recovery and removal of drainage.
Preferred combination for postoperative period for prevention postoperative complications and remission of abscesses is as follows:
- Ampicillin 20 mg/kg/6-8 hours intravenously, per os: for effects on Gr+ organisms;
- Gentamicin 2.2 mg/kg/8 hours intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly: for effects on Gr-organisms;
- Metronidazole (Metronidazole) 20-65 mg/kg/2 times a day/per os to influence the anaerobic population (including Bacteroides);

Another good combination:
- Clindamycin: 5-15 mg/kg intravenously, intramuscularly, per os / 8-12 hours / 5-7 days;
- Gentamicin: 2.2-3 mg/8-12 hours intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly for 3-5 days;
- 1st generation cephalosporins: 22-35 mg/kg/12 hours / intravenously, intramuscularly / 3-5 days;
+ - Gentamicin: 2.2-3 mg/kg/8-12 hours/3-5 days intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly; but they do not act on the anaerobic spectrum.
It would be good to do a culture of the abdominal fluid 3-5 days after the operation and, based on the antibiogram, continue the prevention of the postoperative period.

DEVELOPMENT: often complicated to hypoproteinemia.

FORECAST: always cautious: mortality within 20-48%.
Mortality associated with perforation colon or in connection with
Anti-inflammatory drugs or neurosurgery can reach 100%.
If corticoid therapy is necessary after surgery, it should be limited to 2-3 days.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS THE USE OF NON-STEROID ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS AND ESPECIALLY THEIR COMBINATION WITH GLUCOCORTICOIDS!

Peritonitis - limited or general inflammation peritoneum, associated with increased exudation into the abdominal cavity. It can occur acutely, chronically, be serous, hemorrhagic, purulent and putrefactive. More often it occurs secondarily.

Acute peritonitis is usually a consequence of infection of the abdominal cavity from neighboring organs(gastroenteritis, metritis, nephritis). The infection can penetrate hematogenously and lymphogenously, as well as through penetrating wounds, perforation of the walls of the stomach and intestines.

With inflammation, depression and emaciation of the animal are noted, the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and of cardio-vascular system. Severe pain and toxicosis is observed. First, vasospasm occurs, and then hyperemia. ADC decreases. The animal may die from cardiac arrest.

Hyperemia leads to increased exudation. Fermentation and putrefactive processes intensify in the intestines due to inhibition of motor function, which increases toxicosis. Portal stagnation of blood is characteristic.

Acute peritonitis can last from several hours to 10-15 days and often ends in the death of the animal. In chronic peritonitis, adhesions form (adhesion of the visceral and parenteral layers of the peritoneum).

Symptoms of peritonitis in dogs and cats

Symptoms of the disease are determined by the degree of damage, its phase and the severity of the process. Usually when acute peritonitis there is a high constant fever, depression, refusal to feed, emaciation, pain in the abdominal wall, the stomach is tucked. Fluctuation of exudate with jerky pressure on the abdomen is characteristic. Percussion reveals horizontal dullness. As the disease progresses, intestinal paresis occurs. Pulse small wave, frequent; breathing is rapid, shallow.

Characterized by high leukocytosis with a shift of the nucleus to the left. The ESR is sharply accelerated.

Diagnosis is based on history and findings clinical trial. A test puncture and x-ray examination are also performed.

Treatment of peritonitis in dogs and cats

A starvation diet is prescribed; suck out the contents from the abdominal cavity. Abdominal defects are treated surgically. If there is perforation of the stomach or intestines (feed impurities are found in the effusion), a laparotomy is performed. Antibiotics, sulfonamides, and novocaine blockade of the splanchnic nerves are used. In the descending phase of the disease, physiotherapy (Sollux, infraruge, Minin lamp) is indicated, as well as symptomatic therapy. When indicated, the exudate is pumped out using a needle.