Peritonitis
The peritoneal cavity is the space that contains all the abdominal organs. Peritonitis is inflammation within this cavity and can be septic, bacterial infection, or non-septic.
Septic peritonitis can be caused by infection from bacteria in the bloodstream spreading to the peritoneal cavity or from the rupture of an abdominal organ e.g. the intestines or uterus. Non-septic peritonitis, also known as reactive peritonitis, is an inflammatory response without bacterial involvement often due to a tumour, an abscess or a ruptured bladder.
Clinical signs
Horses with peritonitis will be depressed, off their food, have a high temperature, have reduced gut sounds and show signs of colic. If the peritonitis is due to rupture of the stomach or intestines the patient will quickly go into shock and have to be put to sleep.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis is made by sampling the peritoneal fluid and ultrasound scanning. By culturing the sample septic and non-septic peritonitis can be differentiated.
Treatment
The most common treatment is antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The peritoneal cavity can be washed out in persistent cases.