Use of closed-suction drains to treat generalized peritonitis in dogs and cats: 40 cases (1997-1999)

To determine outcome of dogs and cats with generalized peritonitis treated by means of closed-suction drainage.

Retrospective study.

30 dogs and 10 cats with generalized peritonitis.

Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, clinicopathologic abnormalities, contamination source, results of microbial culture, surgical procedure performed, postoperative management, complications, and outcome was obtained.

The gastrointestinal tract was the most common source of contamination. Abdominal fluid collected from 34 patients at the time of surgery was submitted for bacterial culture; results were positive for 28 (82%). The most commonly isolated organism was Escherichia coli. Postoperative complications included anemia (n = 21), hypoproteinemia (21), vomiting (9), edema (7), and diarrhea (5). Total solids concentration did not decrease during the first 48 hours after surgery, and all drains remained functional until removal. Twenty-eight patients survived to the time of discharge; 8 of the 12 animals that died did so within 18 hours after surgery. The only factor significantly different between patients that survived and patients that died was postoperative systolic blood pressure. Factors that were not significantly associated with outcome included detection of bacteria in the abdominal fluid, number of organisms cultured from the abdominal fluid, selection of antimicrobials for empiric treatment, and source of contamination.

Results suggest that closed-suction drainage may be a useful method for treating generalized peritonitis in dogs and cats. No clinically important complications were associated with their use.