Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Comparison of Initial and Postlavage Bacterial Culture Results of Septic Peritonitis in Dogs and Cats.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2018
- Authors:
- Kalafut, Sarah Ruth et al.
- Affiliation:
- and Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine · United States
Plain-English summary
Septic peritonitis is a serious condition that can affect both dogs and cats, and it often requires surgery to treat. In this study, researchers looked at samples taken from the abdomen of pets before and after a washing procedure called peritoneal lavage to see if there were any changes in the types of bacteria present and how those bacteria responded to antibiotics. They found that almost 89% of the pets had bacteria in their samples, but there wasn't a significant difference in the types of bacteria or their antibiotic resistance before and after the lavage. Additionally, the choice of antibiotics did not seem to impact whether the pets survived to go home after treatment. Overall, while individual results varied, the study concluded that the lavage procedure did not show a clear benefit for the group as a whole.
Abstract
Septic peritonitis is a common, life-threatening condition encountered in dogs and cats. Efficacy of peritoneal lavage has not been proven in veterinary studies. Our objective was to evaluate differences in bacterial identity and susceptibility in samples obtained pre- and postlavage in animals who underwent laparotomy for treatment of septic peritonitis and to assess the effect of empirical antimicrobial selection on survival. Culture samples were collected from the peritoneal surface pre- and postlavage from dogs and cats treated surgically for septic peritonitis. Culture results were compared for each patient with regard to bacterial isolates and bacterial susceptibility profiles. Survival to discharge was evaluated. Microbial growth occurred in at least one culture in 88.6% of patients. There was no significant difference in bacterial isolates or susceptibility profiles pre- versus postlavage. Positive culture pre- or postlavage and appropriate antimicrobial selection did not significantly affect survival. For individual animals, culture results differed between pre- and postlavage samples, although no definitive effect of peritoneal lavage was seen for the population as a whole. Antimicrobials most commonly effective against isolates were Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, and Imipenem. If prompt surgical source control is employed, antibiotic choice may not affect clinical outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30040445/