Open peritoneal drainage in horses with experimentally induced peritonitis.

This research study investigates the potential treatment method of open peritoneal drainage in horses with artificially induced peritonitis. The results indicate that while this procedure presents some complications, it is a feasible option for treating horses with peritonitis.

Methodology

• The research was conducted on 12 horses, in which peritonitis was experimentally induced. This was achieved through median celiotomy and an hour of small intestine ischemia.
• The horses were split into two groups of six. For one group, the incision was closed primarily, while a plastic mesh was sutured to the ventral abdominal wall of the other group. This allowed the latter group’s abdomen to remain open for ventral drainage.
• After 5 days, the mesh was removed and the abdominal wall closed using various surgical techniques.

Data Collection

• Throughout the course of the study, various data points were collected in order to assess the severity and progression of the peritonitis as well as the effect of the treatments.
• Peritoneal fluid was analyzed for cell count and protein concentration on the initial day and after 5 days.
• Several other metrics including serum biochemical profiles, electrolyte concentrations, and complete blood counts were recorded on various days throughout the study.
• Every day for 30 days, physical examinations, body weight measurements, and rectal temperatures were recorded.

Results

• Following the 30-day observation period, the horses were euthanized for further examination. Notably, the presence of adhesions in the abdominal cavity were checked. Adhesions were found in four control horses and two horses that underwent open peritoneal drainage.
• Wounds were also examined histologically to assess inflammatory response. Horses with primary closure had significantly lower inflammation scores.
• All horses with open drainage developed incisional infections after the removal of the mesh. Despite this, the mesh was well tolerated by all of the horses and effectively allowed the drainage of peritoneal fluid for the initial 5 days.
• No instances of abdominal wall herniation were noted in any of the horses.

Conclusion

• Though the peritonitis induced in this study was mild, it was insufficient to establish the effectiveness of open peritoneal drainage as a treatment for severe peritonitis in horses.
• Notwithstanding, the study suggests that open peritoneal drainage could be a feasible treatment option in horses, despite the risk of incisional infections after the drainage mesh removal.