Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Causes and outcomes of air in the abdomen in dogs and cats
By Saunders, W Brian & Tobias, Karen M·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2003·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats: 39 cases (1983-2002).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought in for sudden abdominal swelling and difficulty breathing. The vet discovered that the dog had pneumoperitoneum, which is air in the abdominal cavity, likely caused by a perforation in the gastrointestinal tract. After surgery to repair the perforation, the dog recovered well and was able to return home. This case highlights the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment for pets showing signs of abdominal distress.
People also search for: dog abdominal swelling · why is my dog having trouble breathing · pneumoperitoneum in dogs treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify the most common causes of pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats and determine history, clinical features, and outcome of affected animals. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 31 dogs and 8 cats. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for signalment; history; abnormal physical, clinicopathologic, and radiographic findings; results of cytologic analysis and bacterial culture of abdominal fluid; gross and histologic findings at surgery or necropsy; and outcome. RESULTS: Pneumoperitoneum was classified as spontaneous in 25 animals and traumatic in 14. Causes of traumatic pneumoperitoneum included vehicular impact, gunshot wounds, abdominal dog bite wounds, and iatrogenic pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum was caused by gastrointestinal tract perforation in 23 animals; underlying causes included neoplasia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration, and corticosteroid administration. Two animals developed spontaneous pneumoperitoneum after bladder rupture. Animals with spontaneous pneumoperitoneum were significantly older and had clinical signs of longer duration than those with traumatic pneumoperitoneum. Sixteen animals survived, including 15 of 23 animals that underwent surgery. Animals that survived had significantly higher serum albumin concentrations than did animals that died or were euthanatized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although pneumoperitoneum is most often attributable to perforation of a hollow viscus, other causes do exist. Early exploration is recommended for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12930083/