Canine Peritonitis in 2025: Vet-Backed Guide  ⚠️🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

📌 What Is Canine Peritonitis?

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum—the membrane lining your dog’s abdomen and organs. It can be septic (infected) or non‑septic, and is a serious, often life‑threatening condition.

🔍 Causes: How It Develops

• Secondary to GI perforation from foreign bodies, ulcers, or tumors
• Ruptured bladder, gallbladder/bile duct, uterus (e.g., pyometra)
• Post‑surgical leakage or abdominal wounds
• Primary peritonitis—rare, via bloodstream infections

👀 Signs & Symptoms

• Abdominal pain, distention, “praying position”
• Fever or hypothermia, lethargy, anorexia
• Vomiting, diarrhea, black tarry stools
• Rapid heart/breathing rate, low blood pressure, shock

🩺 Diagnosis & Testing

Early diagnosis saves lives. Your vet may use:

• Physical exam with abdominal palpation
• Abdominal ultrasound and X‑rays to detect fluid
• Abdominocentesis or peritoneal lavage for fluid analysis—cell counts, bacteria
• Bloodwork to detect systemic infection or organ impact
• CT scan or exploratory surgery in unclear cases

🛠️ Treatment Options

• Emergency surgery to repair perforations, remove infected tissue, and flush the abdomen
• Intravenous shock‑dose fluids and electrolyte support
• Broad‑spectrum antibiotics targeted by culture
• Pain management and anti‑inflammatories
• Post‑op care: drains, intensive monitoring, nutrition

⚠️ Why Speed Matters

Septic peritonitis progresses rapidly, often causing sepsis and organ failure. Surgical intervention within 24 hours improves survival rates, varying from ~36–85%, average of ~50%.

📈 Prognosis & Recovery

Early cases with prompt treatment have fair outcomes. Mortality remains high in delayed or complicated cases (20–50%).

Recovery includes hospitalization, IV fluids, antibiotics, and close monitoring. Long-term follow-up for complications may be required.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• Prevent ingestion of foreign bodies
• Promptly fix GI perforations and leaks
• Spay before pyometra risk (uterine rupture)
• Careful post‑surgery monitoring for signs of leakage

📞 When to Call Your Vet NOW

• Sudden abdominal pain, distention, or “praying posture”
• Persistent vomiting, fever, or coldness, or collapse
• Signs of shock: rapid heart/breathing rate, pale gums

Peritonitis is a medical emergency—early veterinary care can save your dog's life. For rapid guidance, contact a vet via the Ask A Vet app 📱.