Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum and can be primary, secondary, or chemical.
Primary peritonitis is spontaneous, often in immunocompromised animals, usually monobacterial.
Secondary peritonitis is the most common and results from leakage of GI contents, rupture, or surgery, with high mortality. It can be localized or generalized, septic or aseptic.
Iatrogenic Surgical sponge = common →
Clinical signs include abdominal pain, fever or hypothermia, vomiting, depression, and effusion. Diagnosis is based on imaging and abdominocentesis with fluid analysis.
Treatment requires aggressive fluids, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and surgical source control with lavage and drainage. Prognosis is guarded, especially in generalized septic peritonitis.
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