Prognostic indicators in cats with septic peritonitis (2002-2015): 83 cases

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Pathology
• Feline Health

Background:

• Septic peritonitis (SP) is a serious condition in cats.
• Gastrointestinal perforation is the most common cause of secondary SP.
• Identifying prognostic factors is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine factors associated with survival in cats diagnosed with SP.
• Investigate the impact of physical exam findings, clinicopathological data, surgical timing, antimicrobial use, and culture results on SP outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study conducted across four university teaching hospitals.
• Inclusion of 83 cats diagnosed with SP via cytology or culture between 2002 and 2015.
• Analysis of various parameters including blood glucose, etiology, and empirical antimicrobial therapy.

Main Results:

• The overall survival rate to discharge was 69.9% (58 out of 83 cats).
• Gastrointestinal perforation was the most frequent cause of SP (49.4%).
• Higher blood glucose concentrations were linked to poorer outcomes (P=0.006), while appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy increased survival likelihood by 4.4 times (P=0.018).

Conclusions:

• Septic peritonitis secondary to gastrointestinal leakage remains the leading cause in cats.
• Elevated blood glucose levels at presentation indicate a worse prognosis for feline SP.
• Timely and appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment is a critical factor for improving survival rates in cats with SP.