Acute Painful Abdomen

Acute Painful Abdomen
An acute painful abdomen is an emergency that may lead to death of the dog
unless treatment is started at once. The signs of an acute abdomen are the
sudden onset of pain, along with whining and crying, retching and vomiting,
extreme restlessness and inability to find a comfortable position, grunting,
and labored breathing. The abdomen is extremely painful when pressed.
Characteristically, the dog may assume a prayer position with his chest to
the floor and his rump in the air. As the condition worsens, the dog’s pulse
becomes weak and thready, the mucous membranes become pale, and the dog
goes into shock.
If you see any of these signs, call your veterinarian at once! Early surgical
intervention is life-saving.
One of the following conditions may be the cause of acute abdomen:
• Bloat
• Urinary stones obstructing the bladder
• Trauma to the abdomen with internal injury
• Rupture of the bladder
• Poisoning
• Rupture of the pregnant uterus
• Peritonitis
• Acute pancreatitis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Twisting of the intestines