Generalized peritonitis in cattle

Abstract

In a retrospective study, 31 cases of generalized, severe peritonitis in cattle were reviewed for the period between 1993-1997. Historical, clinical, laboratory and PM were analysed. Physical examination findings were non-specific. The more consistent findings were depression, anorexia, decreased faecal output, and varying degrees of dehydration. Most cases of generalized peritonitis in cattle occurred peripartum. Clinical examination alone was not always adequate to establish the diagnosis. Haematological findings were non-specific, with both neutrophilia and neutropenia found in affected cattle. The clinicopathological findings did not correlate significantly with the duration of the condition. Serum chemistry profiles revealed hyponatraemia, hypochloraemia, and hypokalaemia. Twenty-three cases showed hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia was noticed in 15 cases. Serum urea nitrogen and creatinine were increased in 11 cases. Increased plasma fibrinogen was recorded in four of the five cases in which it was estimated. Abdominocentesis, performed in 11 animals, was helpful in reaching a clinical diagnosis. Perforating abomasal ulcers (type V) caused peritonitis in 7 of the 20 cases where a cause of peritonitis could be determined.