Septic peritonitis and uroperitoneum secondary to subclinical omphalitis and concurrent necrotizing cystitis in a colt.

This research article presents a case study of a 15-day old American Quarter horse colt, which was treated for depression and fever symptoms. Subsequent analysis and surgery detected peritonitis and uroperitoneum (accumulation of urine in the abdomen) stemming from subclinical omphalitis (navel infection) and concurrent necrotizing cystitis (bladder infection). After a segment of the affected bladder was removed, the peritonitis was resolved with additional medical treatment.

Introduction

• The case involves a 15-day-old American Quarter horse colt that showed signs of depression and fever.
• The colt was diagnosed with peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the inner wall of the abdomen) after peritoneal fluid analysis.

Diagnosis Process

• An exploratory laparotomy, a surgical procedure involving a large incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity, showed a region of necrosis (death of tissue) on the dorsal wall of the urinary bladder.
• This tissue necrosis led to peritonitis and uroperitoneum which is a medical condition in which urine enters the peritoneal cavity, referred to as the space between the two membranes that separate the organs in the abdominal cavity from the abdominal wall.

Treatment and Outcome

• The necrotic section of the bladder was removed through a procedure called resection.
• After the necessary surgical intervention, the colt’s peritonitis was managed and eventually resolved through medical treatment.

This case study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of infectious conditions in animals, in this case, a young horse. The colt’s symptoms were indicative of an underlying inflammatory condition, which turned out to be a peritoneal infection from a necrotic bladder and a urinary condition termed uroperitoneum. Through successful surgical intervention and subsequent medical treatment, the study showcases the successful resolution of the colt’s health complications.