Domestic Pets

Injury Guide

ABDOMINAL PAIN

Severe abdominal pain, often of sudden onset - occasionally effects cats & dogs

CAUSES

INTESTINAL SPASMS: Usually due to the presence of foreign bodies

INJURIES TO ABDOMEN: When internal organs are damaged

POISONING: Especially those that seriously irritate the stomach and intestine

ACUTE INFLAMMATION: Peritonitis or Pancreatitis

OTHER CAUSES: Various and may involve other organs apart from the digestive canal such as the kidneys. bladder and liver

ASSESSMENT

SIGNS: Animals with abdominal pain may appear weak and distressed. They assume abnormal positions and are often unable to rise on their hind legs.Vomiting or diarrhea may be present and breathing is often rapid and shallow

PALPATION: Gently palpate the abdomen, which you will find is held tense in such cases, and see whether this produces a painful reaction

TEMPERATURE: Then check the temperature (rectal) - with certain conditions it will be raised

Try to find out if the animal may have ingested a foreign body or poison, and ascertain how much food and of what type, the animal has eatern in its last few meals

TREATMENT

CALL VET PROMPTLY: When you notice these signs of abdominal pain, you will need to call a vet promptly who can establish the likely cause and institute appropriate measures

In the meantime, if the animal is outdoors, put it in a sheltered spot and cover it with a thick blanket if the weather is cold

Transport it gently, avoiding any movements that may provoke pain

ENLARGED & TWISTED STOMACH

The stomach can become abnormally dilated due to the formation of GAS. This may occur from time to time in large dogs. Twisting of the stomach is serious on its own axis, thus closing its two openings - Cardia & Pylorus and preventing the escape of gas

CAUSES

EXECESSIVE INTAKE OF AIR, FOOD OR WATER: Dilatation can occur with the overeating of indigestible or fermentable foodstuffs - bones,bread cereal etc, which cause gas production

Or the intake of large quantities of air or water which can happen with hasty swallowing.Dilatation at times leads to twisting of the stomach - Volvulus

ROUGH MOVEMENTS e.g JUMPING,ROLLING OR FALLING: Movements causing sudden displacement of abdominal organs may, although seldom, also provoke twisting of the stomach

ASSESSMENT

SIGNS: Animals with a distended stomach is usually distressed and in pain. often tries to vomit- although this is not possible with twisting and shows fast,shallow breathing.Examine the abdomen to see if it is increased in size

PALPATIONS: If you tap the left side of the abdomen with a finger tip, you may produce a hollow sound, because of gas in the distended stomach, but vigorous palpation could increase pain and shock - so be gentle and do not persist

TREATMENT

CASES OF DILATATION: Especially when it occurs to large dogs, will require prompt veterinary attention

TRANSPORTATION: The animal must be transported with the utmost care, avoiding sudden movements.If it is very distressed and in pain, you should arrange to move it in a suitable manner, so you do not risk the animal being more hurt or harmed

SMALL DOGS & CATS: Can be carried in baskets or cardboard boxes with solid, rigid bottoms and edges at leat 15-20cm high, provided the size is adequate and the animal is not forced to assume a cramped position

MEDIUM-IZED OR LARGE DOGS: Should be transported on a blanket or a sufficiently big and strong cloth.You may even need to use a plank or something similar as a stretcher / hammock

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