Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Primary bacterial peritonitis infection in dogs and cats cases
By Culp, William T N et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2009·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Primary bacterial peritonitis in dogs and cats: 24 cases (1990-2006).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought to the vet showing signs of lethargy, vomiting, and not wanting to eat. After tests, it was determined that the dog had primary bacterial peritonitis, which is an infection in the abdominal cavity without a clear source. The dog was treated with antibiotics, and while the treatment was effective, the recovery process was more complicated compared to cases of secondary peritonitis (where there is a known source of infection). Ultimately, the dog was discharged after treatment, but the outcome highlighted the need for careful management in similar cases.
People also search for: dog vomiting and lethargy · primary bacterial peritonitis in dogs · dog abdominal infection treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical characteristics of primary bacterial peritonitis (infection of the peritoneal cavity with no identifiable intraperitoneal source of infection) and compare characteristics of primary and secondary peritonitis in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 24 (primary peritonitis) and 60 (secondary peritonitis) client-owned dogs and cats. PROCEDURES: Data from medical records of dogs and cats with primary and secondary peritonitis were reviewed for descriptive information regarding primary peritonitis and for comparison between the 2 forms of peritonitis. RESULTS: 15 dogs and 9 cats met inclusion criteria for primary peritonitis, and 49 dogs and 11 cats met inclusion criteria for secondary peritonitis. The most common historical findings in dogs and cats with primary and secondary peritonitis were lethargy, vomiting, and anorexia. Dogs with secondary peritonitis more often developed peritoneal exudates than those with primary peritonitis, and dogs with primary peritonitis were more often infected with gram-positive bacteria than those with secondary peritonitis. No difference in outcome was detected between all animals with primary versus secondary peritonitis; however, dogs with secondary peritonitis treated with surgery were more commonly discharged than those with primary peritonitis treated with surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Differences in primary and secondary peritonitis related to historical, physical examination, and clinical laboratory findings; bacteriologic findings; peritoneal effusion characteristics; and outcome were detected. However, larger case numbers are needed before alternative recommendations, such as avoidance of surgery, can be made.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19335241/