The macroscopic, biochemical, and cytological characteristics of peritoneal fluid of equines submitted to intestinal obstruction using an experimental model were evaluated. Twenty-four animals were distributed in four groups: instrumented control (GI), duodenum obstruction (GII), ileum obstruction (GIII), and large colon obstruction (GIV). Peritoneal fluid samples were collected before the surgery (T0), during the obstruction (T60i-T180i), and after unblocking procedures (T60ri-T7º ). During obstructive period, significant alterations were not observed in biochemical and cytological examination of peritoneal fluid of all animals. After unblocking procedure, animals from GII and GIII presented intense inflammatory response characterized by higher global and differential leukocytes counts, as well as in fibrinogen and total protein concentrations; lactate and inorganic phosphorus concentrations in peritoneal fluid were also increased. The laboratory alterations were not associated with clinical signs, indicative of the abdominal inflammatory process presence. Results showed that analyses of peritoneal fluids can be used as support in the evolution of healing process. However, they can not be isolated used for a diagnosis and prognosis of equine postoperative complications.
equine; peritoneal fluid; colic; peritonitis
