Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Survival factors in dogs and cats with septic gut perforation
By Dayer, T et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·Department of Small Animal Surgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Septic peritonitis from pyloric and non-pyloric gastrointestinal perforation: prognostic factors in 44 dogs and 11 cats.
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought in for severe abdominal pain and vomiting, which turned out to be caused by a perforation in the gastrointestinal tract leading to septic peritonitis (infection in the abdomen). The dog had a history of receiving anti-inflammatory medications, which was linked to a higher risk of this type of perforation. Despite the serious condition, the treatment involved surgery to repair the perforation, and the dog was monitored closely afterward. Unfortunately, the overall survival rate for similar cases was low, with many pets not making it through the treatment.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To identify potential prognostic factors affecting outcome in septic peritonitis caused by gastrointestinal perforation in dogs and cats. METHODS: A retrospective study. Animals operated on for septic peritonitis because of gastrointestinal perforation were evaluated. Risk factors assessed included age, duration of clinical signs, recent prior abdominal surgery, recent prior anti-inflammatory drug administration, placement of a closed-suction drain and location of perforation. RESULTS: Fifty-five animals (44 dogs and 11 cats) were included. The overall mortality was 63·6%. No association was found between age, duration of clinical signs or prior abdominal surgery and outcome. Animals with a history of prior anti-inflammatory drugs were significantly (P=0·0011) more likely to have perforation of the pylorus (73·3%). No significant difference in outcome was found between animals treated with closed-suction drains and those treated with primary closure or between pyloric perforation and perforation at other gastrointestinal sites. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Administration of anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs and cats is a significant risk factor for pyloric perforation. Pyloric perforation was not associated with a poorer outcome than perforation at other gastrointestinal sites. Placement of a closed suction drain did not improve outcome compared to primary closure.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24283417/