Uroperitoneum in the hospitalised equine neonate: retrospective study of 31 cases, 1988-1997

Historical, physical and diagnostic data were reviewed retrospectively in 31 equine neonates with uroperitoneum. Gender predilection was not observed, and classic electrolyte abnormalities were seen in less than 50% of the cases. Aetiologies for uroperitoneum have been well described, but this review found that septicaemia/severe illness played a crucial role the outcome of uroperitoneum. Approximately half the individuals with uroperitoneum had positive sepsis scores. Foals receiving fluid therapy were more likely to be septic and to have normal electrolyte concentrations. Ultrasonographic findings, serum creatinine and serum:peritoneal creatinine ratios were not affected by previous fluid therapy and were invaluable aids in the diagnosis of uroperitoneum, even with multisystemic disease such as sepsis.