Peritonitis in horses: 67 cases (1985-1990).

The study discusses findings from a sample of 67 horses diagnosed with peritonitis over the period of 1985 to 1990, detailing the causes, associated symptoms, diagnostic aids, and mortality rates for each presented case.

General Overview of the Study

• The study included 67 horses diagnosed with peritonitis between the years 1985 to 1990.
• Of the total sampled horses, 14 developed septic peritonitis following an intestinal rupture, 25 experienced peritonitis after undergoing abdominal surgery, and in 28 horses peritonitis was not connected to either intestinal rupture or abdominal surgery.
• Out of the 67 horses, 59.7% did not survive the complications caused by peritonitis.

Comparison Between Survivors and Non-survivors

• The non-surviving horses demonstrated higher heart rates, RBC count, serum creatinine concentration, PCV, and anion gap. They also had lower venous blood pH and a greater number of bacterial species cultured from their peritoneal fluid samples.
• The non-surviving horses were also more likely to show signs of abdominal pain, circulatory shock, and in their peritoneal fluid samples, bacteria were found.

Diagnostic and Treatment Related Outcomes

• Physical examination and analysis of peritoneal fluid were identified as the most valuable diagnostic aids for cases where intestinal rupture had occurred.
• The study indicated a high mortality rate of 56% for peritonitis after abdominal surgery and a lower mortality rate of 42.9% for peritonitis not associated with intestinal rupture or abdominal surgery.
• The indications put forth by various clinical and laboratory indices can offer valuable insights when determining the prognosis for horses with peritonitis.