Treatment of ruptured ileum and peritonitis in a cat

Ischemic necrosis and rupture of the ileum caused by avulsion of the mesentery occurred in a 6-month-old cat following blunt trauma of the abdomen. The damaged section of intestine was resected and an anastomosis was performed using a single layer edge-to-edge suturing technic. Diffuse peritonitis was treated by peritoneal lavage and instillation of antibiotics into the peritoneal cavity at the time of surgery. The cat's recovery was uncomplicated. A rationale is provided for the suturing technic and peritoneal lavage at the time of surgery.