All about peritonitis in horses

Problems with the horses stomach can sometimes be attributed to peritonitis which is a very serious illness that can lead to large claims on any horse health insurance policy. Peritonitis in horses refers to inflammation of the peritoneal cavity which is the medical term used to describe the abdominal cavity. In very simple terms it can be likened to a balloon filled with a small amount of fluid in which the abdominal organs sit. The fluid contained within the cavity peritoneal fluid acts as a lubricant reducing friction during movement of the abdominal organs.

When 12yearold Freddie was referred to me for veterinary assessment his owner described him as not being quite right for the past 48 hours. They reported that the grey gelding appeared quieter than usual tending towards being a little depressed alongside a reduced appetite and fewer droppings than normal.
Investigating peritonitis in horses
Blood work revealed a low white blood cell count which can result from white blood cells leaving the blood stream to fight infection. Serum amyloid A an inflammatory marker was also high and a number of other parameters pointed towards mild dehydration. I was advised that Freddie was admitted to our hospital for further investigations and treatment as necessary.
On admission abdominal ultrasonography was performed which revealed an increased amount of free fluid in Freddies peritoneal cavity. No other abnormalities were noted on ultrasonography. A sample of the peritoneal fluid was subsequently obtained and analysis revealed a high white blood cell count.
A diagnosis of peritonitis was made.
What are the signs of peritonitis?
The clinical signs displayed by a horse infected with peritonitis depend on the cause duration and severity of the disease. In certain cases the diagnosis is reached very quickly whereas in other horses peritonitis is a less clear diagnosis. Due to similarity in symptoms horses can