Bacterial peritonitis in dogs and cats

摘要

Bacterial peritonitis in dogs and cats is associated with a height morbidity and mortality (around 50/ in reported studies). Although various causes ate known, many are a result of previous gastro-intestinal surgery. Early detection is important and theie should be a high index of suspicion in animais that fail to recover noimally from abdominal surgery. In affected animals, sugical exporation after stabilisation is recommened to detect and manage the underlying cause, lavage the peritoneal cavity and provide drainage. Consideration should also be given to post-operative nutrition and placement of a feeding tube is recommended. Management of peritonitis with the associated complications of septicaemia and hypoproteinaemia is demanding and expensive.This article reviews the general approach and includes a case report of an affected dog.