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Peritonitis in horses: 67 cases (1985-1990)
J F Hawkins1, K F Bowman, M C Roberts
1Department of Food Animal and Equine Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|July 15, 1993
Summary
Peritonitis in horses is often fatal, with nearly 60% of diagnosed cases not surviving. Prognosis depends on clinical signs and laboratory findings, aiding in treatment decisions for equine peritonitis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Health
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Peritonitis is a serious condition in horses with significant mortality.
- Understanding prognostic indicators is crucial for managing equine peritonitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze diagnostic aids and prognostic factors in horses diagnosed with peritonitis.
- To compare mortality rates across different causes of peritonitis in horses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case study of 67 horses diagnosed with peritonitis between 1985 and 1990.
- Analysis of clinical signs, physical examination findings, and peritoneal fluid analysis.
- Comparison of laboratory values (heart rate, RBC count, creatinine, PCV, anion gap, blood pH) between survivors and nonsurvivors.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality rate for peritonitis was 59.7%.
- Nonsurvivors exhibited higher heart rates, RBC counts, serum creatinine, PCV, and anion gap, with lower venous blood pH.
- Abdominal pain, circulatory shock, and bacterial presence in peritoneal fluid were associated with higher mortality.
Conclusions:
- Clinical and laboratory indices are valuable for determining prognosis in horses with peritonitis.
- Peritonitis following abdominal surgery has a high mortality rate (56%).
- Prompt diagnosis and analysis of clinical and laboratory data are essential for improving outcomes in equine peritonitis cases.