Changes

==Description==

==Description==

'''Peritonitis''' is defined as the inflammation of the peritoneum.  The inflammatory process leads to vasodilation, cellular infiltration, pain and adhesion.  This can be classified into primary or secondary peritonitis.   

'''Peritonitis''' is defined as the [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]] of the [[Peritoneal cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|peritoneum]].  The inflammatory process leads to vasodilation, cellular infiltration, pain and adhesion.  This can be classified into primary or secondary peritonitis.   

Primary peritonitis occurs spontaneously without pre-existing pathology in the abdomen.  In cats, this form of peritonitis is associated with feline infectious peritonitis.

'''Primary peritonitis''' occurs spontaneously without pre-existing pathology in the abdomen.  In cats, this form of peritonitis is associated with [[Feline Infections Peritonitis (FIP)|feline infectious peritonitis]].

 

Secondary peritonitis occurs as the result of a pathological condition in the abdomen.  This can be further classified into '''septic''' or '''non-septic''' peritonitis.  '''Septic peritonitis''' results from free bacteria in the peritoneal cavity.  This can be caused by perforation of the gastrointestinal tract due to foreign bodies, necrosis, intussusception, neoplasia, foreign bodies or dehiscence.  Peritonitis as a result of wound dehiscence is most likely to occur 3-5 days post-operatively.  Septic peritonitis is the most common form that occurs in dogs.  '''Non-septic''', also known as '''chemical peritonitis''', may be the result of leakage of bile, urine or pancreatic enzymes.  Non-septic peritonitis can however cause septic peritonitis, for example in cases where septic urine is present.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==