All about peritonitis in horses

antiinflammatory therapy when he went home to his livery yard. Intravenous fluid therapy was also initiated due to Freddies mild dehydration and reluctance to drink.
Treatment for peritonitis in horses is based on intravenous antibiotic and antiinflammatory therapy in addition to managing toxaemia if present. Correcting dehydration and maintaining hydration is achieved through the use of intravenous fluid therapy. In nonresponding cases placement of an abdominal drain to facilitate lavage andor surgical exploration and subsequent treatment may be indicated.
Prognosis ultimately depends on the cause of the peritonitis severity of the clinical signs and initial response to treatment. Cases occurring secondary to gastrointestinal tract rupture carry a grave prognosis.
What is the prognosis?
In Freddies case he responded well to the treatment initiated and within 24 hours his temperature stabilised and remained normal thereafter. During this timeframe his demeanour appetite and in turn faecal output also improved.
Serial repeat abdominal ultrasound and peritoneal fluid examinations revealed a gradual normalisation and Freddie was discharged after seven days to continue his treatment and rehabilitation at home. He has recovered fully and is back in work.