title: Management of the patient with generalized peritonitis.
abstract: Peritonitis is a serious disease requiring aggressive therapy in the hope of effecting a cure. Stabilization of the patient's condition is important; immediate fluid therapy and systemic antibiotics are essential. Surgery is indicated, not only to locate and correct the causative lesion, but to mechanically cleanse the peritoneal cavity by debridement and copious irrigation. Establishment of drainage is also necessary. The drainage method chosen is dictated by the source and the extent of peritoneal contamination, the patient's condition, and the experience of the surgeon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Salisbury
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Hosgood
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D002415:Cats; D003646:Debridement / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D004322:Drainage / Q000662:veterinary; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000662:veterinary; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000662:veterinary; D010533:Peritoneal Lavage / Q000662:veterinary; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis