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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in four dogs and a cat.

Journal:
Veterinary surgery : VS
Year:
1994
Authors:
Hardie, E M et al.
Affiliation:
College of Veterinary Medicine

Plain-English summary

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a serious condition that was found in four dogs and one cat. The pets showed signs like vomiting, belly pain, a noticeable mass in the abdomen, and fluid buildup in the belly that was tinged with blood. During surgery, the vets saw that the inside of the abdomen had areas covered with thick tissue and many adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue. The causes of SEP in these cases included inflammation of fat tissue, swallowing fiberglass, and bacterial infections. Treatment involved giving antibiotics, steroids, and medications to help reduce fluid, but the pets faced ongoing challenges like weight loss and fluid buildup.

Abstract

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) was diagnosed in four dogs and one cat. Clinical signs included vomiting, abdominal pain, palpable abdominal mass, and ascites. The abdominal fluid was red-tinged and contained large numbers of red blood cells, macrophages, mixed inflammatory cells, reactive mesothelial cells, and fibroblasts. At surgery, the typical appearance was of multiple surfaces covered with granulation tissue or fibrous tissue or both. Multiple adhesions were often present. Causes of SEP included steatitis, fiberglass ingestion, and bacterial infection. Treatment included administration of antibiotic, corticosteroid, and diuretic medications. The major long-term management problems were chronic weight loss, ascites, and progression of concurrent disease.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8191669/