Prognostic indicators in cats with septic peritonitis (2002-2015): 83 cases.

ObjectiveTo identify physical exam findings, clinicopathological parameters, time to surgery, empirical antimicrobial use, and culture results that could be associated with outcome in cats with septic peritonitis (SP). DesignRetrospective cohort study of cats from 2002 to 2015. SettingFour university teaching hospitals. AnimalsEighty-three cats diagnosed with SP by cytology or culture. InterventionsNone Measurements and Main ResultsFifty-eight cats survived to discharge (69.9%); 1 cat was euthanized in surgery; 20 were euthanized postoperatively; 4 cats suffered cardiac arrest after surgery. The most common etiology of SP was secondary SP due to gastrointestinal perforation (49.4%), followed by primary SP (22.3%). Mean blood glucose concentration was significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors (P = 0.006). Cats that received appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy were 4.4 times more likely to survive than cats that did not receive appropriate antibiotics (P = 0.018). ConclusionsAs previously documented, SP secondary to gastrointestinal leakage was the most common etiology. In this population, cats with a higher blood glucose concentration on presentation had a worse prognosis. Cats that received appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy were more likely to survive.