Peritonite aguda secundária a ferida traumática em potro: relato de caso

Abstract

Peritonitis, a disease characterized by inflammation of the peritoneum, is a serious and potentially fatal condition in horses, requiring early diagnosis and immediate intervention. Morphological changes, as well as increased peritoneal fluid, are peculiar characteristics of peritonitis. Early and assertive diagnosis corroborates with an effective protocol, favorable prognosis, and satisfactory recovery. The present study aimed to address the main methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment, aiming to reduce the mortality rate of animals with peritonitis and its long-term complications. The clinical case, a filly treated at the Veterinary University Hospital (HUV) of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), presented perforating trauma in the region of the left flank of the abdomen, having developed acute peritonitis. From the ultrasonography, a large amount of peritoneal fluid and gas were verified in the upper region of the wound, inside the cavity, suggestive of peritonitis. The abdominocentesis performed showed many neutrophils, rare foamy macrophages, and mild leukophagocytosis. Treatment included the use of anti-inflammatories, analgesics, antibiotics, and, if necessary, exploratory laparotomy. Initially, abdominal lavage would be used to treat the foal; however, this procedure did not need to be performed in this patient, and the prognosis and outcome were surprisingly curable for peritonitis through intra-abdominal administration of antibiotics.