ABSTRACT
183 An eight-year-old Labrador has a two-week history of erythematous skin and mucous membranes (183a, 183b) and marked pruritus. One day prior to presentation the dog begins to vomit. He is depressed and has a painful swollen abdomen. Radiographs reveal free intraperitoneal gas and a moderate abdominal effusion. Abdominocentesis produces a bile stained exudate containing neutrophils and engulfed bacteria. Exploratory laparotomy finds a perforating ulcer in the proximal duodenum (183c). i. What is the significance of free intraperitoneal gas? ii. What are the causes of GI perforation in dogs? iii. Which of these is the most likely cause in this dog? iv. What medical treatment is available for the treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers before perforation occurs?
