Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in cats: 65 cases (1994-2006).
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical signs, physical examination findings, clinical laboratory abnormalities, etiology, and outcome in cats with spontaneous hemoperitoneum.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
65 client-owned cats with spontaneous hemoperitoneum.


METHODS
Medical records of cats with spontaneous hemoperitoneum at 7 large referral clinics were reviewed. Cats were included if a definitive diagnosis of spontaneous hemoperitoneum could be obtained from review of the medical records.


RESULTS
65 cats met inclusion criteria. The most common historical findings were lethargy, anorexia, and vomiting. Common findings on physical examination included inadequate hydration status and hypothermia. The most common clinicopathologic abnormalities were high serum AST activity, anemia, prolonged prothrombin time, and prolonged partial thromboplastin time. Forty-six percent (30/65) of cats had abdominal neoplasia, and 54% (35/65) had nonneoplastic conditions. Hemangiosarcoma was the most often diagnosed neoplasm (18/30; 60%), and the spleen was the most common location for neoplasia (11/30; 37%). Eight cats survived to be discharged from the hospital. Cats with neoplasia were significantly older and had significantly lower PCVs than cats with non-neoplastic disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in cats often results in debilitating clinical consequences. In contrast to dogs with hemoperitoneum, the cause of hemoperitoneum in cats is approximately evenly distributed between neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases. Although only a few cats were treated in this study, the prognosis appears poor.
Culp
William T N
WT
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. wculp@ucdavis.edu
Weisse
Chick
C
Kellogg
Melissa E
ME
Gordon
Ira K
IK
Clarke
Dana L
DL
May
Lauren R
LR
Drobatz
Kenneth J
KJ
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D006465:Hemoperitoneum / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary