The purpose of the present work was to study cytological and biochemical characteristics of the peritoneal fluid in horses with experimentally induced peritonitis. Sixty horses of undefined breed were randomly divided into T and C groups (treatment and control) and submitted to an experimental model of peritonitis, using median laparotomy. The treated group received trans-surgical treatment with antibiotics and antinflammatory substances. During the postoperative period both groups received equal treatment. Samples of peritoneal fluid were collected 24h before surgery and afterwards, up to 120h, and macroscopical, cytological and biochemical evaluations were performed. The cytological and biochemical characteristics showed alterations that reflected the state of the mesothelial surfaces, as well as provided response to the applied medicinal therapy. Such therapy induced a less acute inflammatory response, characterized by minor concentrations of total protein and fibrinogen, and a more accentuated phagocytical activity as well. It was also verified that the time of observation of cellular and biochemical changes should be longer than 120h after the peritoneal induction, in order to get complete information on the characteristics studied.
Horse; abdominocentesis; peritoneal fluid; peritonitis
