Primary bacterial septic peritonitis in cats: 13 cases

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Small Animal Internal Medicine

Background:

• Septic peritonitis is a serious condition in cats.
• Understanding primary septic peritonitis is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
• Previous studies have reported varying mortality rates and clinical findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe signalment, clinical signs, laboratory results, and treatment outcomes for primary septic peritonitis in cats.
• To compare clinicopathological findings and outcomes of primary septic peritonitis with cases of known etiology.
• To identify prognostic indicators for feline septic peritonitis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 12 client-owned cats with primary septic peritonitis.
• Review of medical records including clinical findings, laboratory results, microbial cultures, and radiographic findings.
• Analysis of treatment protocols and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• The overall mortality rate was 31%, consistent with previous reports.
• Cats presenting with both bradycardia and hypothermia had a non-survival outcome.
• Clinicopathological findings were generally consistent with previously reported cases.
• Outcomes for primary septic peritonitis were similar to those with a determined cause.

Conclusions:

• Clinicopathological findings and outcomes in cats with primary septic peritonitis resemble those with septic peritonitis from a known cause.
• Prognostic indicators like bradycardia and hypothermia are critical for survival in feline septic peritonitis.
• An oral source of bacteria is suggested for primary bacterial septic peritonitis in cats, though the exact inoculation mechanism requires further investigation.