Successful conservative management of suspected primary septic peritonitis in a cat

Abstract

A 4‐year‐old, male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigations into lethargy and abdominal effusion. Peritoneal fluid analysis revealed septic neutrophilic inflammation. Extensive investigations or exploratory laparotomy were not possible due to financial constraints. An indwelling peritoneal drain was placed, and intermittent drainage and peritoneal lavage with 0.9% sterile saline were performed for 72 hours. Antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid was prescribed. Fusobacterium russii was cultured after hospital discharge; metronidazole was prescribed following the culture results. The cat had made a full clinical recovery within 3 weeks and had no recurrence of signs by 7 months following discharge. This report describes the potential for conservative management of stable cats with septic peritonitis.