What is Painful Abdomen?

A painful abdomen is known to be caused by many possible disorders. Acute episodes

of discomfort often indicate an underlying disorder that will have to be addressed in
order to resolve the problem. Though abdominal pain experienced by your dog may be
difficult for you to recognize, a change in your pet’s behavior should always be
paid attention to. Take your dog to see the veterinarian by scheduling an appointment
any time that you suspect your pet is acting differently. In the case of abdominal pain,
an underlying pathology will need to be treated without delay because there may be a
risk of illnesses such as obstruction, tumor or organ disease.
Painful abdomen in dogs is also described as acute abdomen. Behavior indicating pain
can point to a serious disorder that must be investigated promptly. A diagnosis may
lead to an intervention of a medical or surgical nature, in order to prevent a life-
threatening situation.

Symptoms of Painful Abdomen in Dogs

Through the observance of your dog on a day to day basis, you may recognize
changes that could signal abdominal pain. Because abdominal pain is occurring due to
a secondary condition, there can be several symptoms accompanying the signs of pain
as listed below:

Your dog may show a change, alteration, or extreme difference in posture; with a
painful abdomen the hind end is often held upwards while the forelegs are close to the
floor

Your dog may appear to have difficulty rising from a lying down position

Vocalization of pain

Abnormal breathing pattern

The abdomen may be swollen and/or tender to the touch

Restlessness, because a comfortable position to settle cannot be found

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Fever

Depression

There may be diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucous

Vomiting

Lethargy

Drooling

Dehydration

Types
The abdominal pain experienced by dogs is broken down into two types, which are
classified as infectious or noninfectious. Within these two categories there can be
various types of abdominal pain:

Metabolic
- such as kidney failure

Peritoneal Cavity
- like a trauma

Urinary
- example can be urethral obstruction

Digestive
- like pancreatitis

Reproductive
- such as a disease

Infectious Disease
- from a toxicity for example

Musculoskeletal
- such as trauma to abdominal muscle

Causes of Painful Abdomen in Dogs

There can be a myriad of reasons that your dog may experience abdominal pain. The
presence of this type of pain is serious, and can quickly lead to a dangerous condition
if not addressed immediately. Some of the possible causes are listed below:

Liver disease

Canine parvovirus

Intestinal inflammation

Pancreatitis

Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease)

Cystitis

Peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining)

Ischemia (inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body)

Malabsorption

Gastrointestinal obstruction

Constipation

Bloat

Cancer

Leptospirosis

Parasitic infection

Distension of the gastrointestinal tract

Prostatitis

Gastritis
Gastrointestinal ulcer

Inflammatory bowel disease

Intervertebral disk disease

Diagnosis of Painful Abdomen in Dogs

The veterinarian will begin the diagnostic analysis by asking you for a recent history
of your dog’s behavior. Be prepared to describe any symptoms or signs of
abnormality that have caused you recent concern. You may be asked for details on
your pet’s diet; if you feed your pet table food, for example, this is an
important piece of information for the veterinarian to be aware of. Other facts that will
be helpful in the diagnosis of a painful abdomen are recent travel details, tips on
possible exposure to toxins, and clues as to recent injury or trauma.
The veterinarian may choose to do a complete blood count, chemical profile, and
urinalysis. The information from these tests may prove to be a valuable part of the
diagnosis.
The physical examination will include checking the mucous membranes, listening to
the lungs for sounds like abnormal crackling, and checking of the heart for pulse
quality. Neurological tests will be done; rectal tone, gait, and mentation can be
optimum indicators of specific illnesses as well. The veterinarian will also look for
evidence of trauma on the body, in the form of blood or bruising. Palpitation and
additional examination of the abdomen will be left to the last because interference in
the examination may result if severe pain is experienced by your dog when touched or
handled.
Imaging of plain and contrast radiographs or fluoroscopy might be necessary, as will
cytology tests and abdominocentesis to analyze fluid in the stomach. Throughout the
entire diagnostic period, the veterinarian will monitor your dog closely, in the case of
the deterioration of your pet’s condition.Treatment of Painful Abdomen in
Dogs

Treatment will depend on, and be correlated directly to, the underlying cause of the painful
abdomen. If the required treatment is of a nonsurgical nature, therapy will begin with
intravenous fluids to assure that electrolyte levels are balanced, and nutritional needs are met.
Medication to stop or prevent nausea and vomiting will be administered. These steps can help
to stabilize a pet that may be close to crisis.

Pain therapy is another crucial part of the treatment. Gastrointestinal protectants, antidiarrheal
medications and antibiotics (if required) are important, too. Treatment of the specific
underlying disease will vary, of course.
For example, Parvovirus will be treated with intravenous to replace the loss of sodium and
potassium, and medication will be given to control persistent vomiting. A case of bloat,
which can be very dangerous, will quickly be treated by the use of intravenous fluids and the
passing of a tube through the mouth and into the stomach to release gas. It should be noted
that surgery may be required if repositioning of the twisted stomach is needed.

If surgery is essential, for example in a severe case of bloat or a problem like a

gastrointestinal obstruction, intravenous for stabilization, pain therapy (analgesics), fluid
therapy, antibiotics and supportive care will be part of the treatment protocol.

Recovery of Painful Abdomen in Dogs

Many cases of illness result in a need for dietary management. Painful abdomen in dogs is
certainly no different. The importance of what you feed your pet, and the need for a balanced
diet (more or less fiber might be needed for instance) are paramount to maintaining health.
The veterinarian will describe the dietary needs of your pet (hypoallergenic, elimination or
bland, perhaps) and tailor them to your dog’s needs, based upon the cause of the
abdominal pain.

Dogs who have had surgery to resolve pain will have a longer recovery time due to stitches,
food and exercise restrictions, and the need for follow-up visits to assess wound healing.
Anti-inflammatories, pain medication, and antibiotics may be part of the medication regimen
to be followed upon release from the clinic