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'''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 - WikiClinical|intussusception]], [[Neoplasia - Pathology|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.

'''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 - WikiClinical|intussusception]], [[Neoplasia - Pathology|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==

*Possible causes such as abscesses of organs or rupture of [[Gall Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|gall bladder]] can be identified.

*Possible causes such as abscesses of organs or rupture of [[Gall Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|gall bladder]] can be identified.

*It can be used to assist abdominocentesis.

*It can be used to assist abdominocentesis.

===Histopathology===

===Histopathology===

**creatinine for urine

**creatinine for urine

**glucose (<2.8 mmol/l) and lactate (>5.5 mmol/l) for sepsis

**glucose (<2.8 mmol/l) and lactate (>5.5 mmol/l) for sepsis

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

===Surgery===

===Surgery===

This may be indicated if the cause of peritonitis is undetermined or intestinal rupture or intestinal obstruction or mesenteric avulsion is suspected.  Abdominal lavage is controversial due to the possibility of dissemination of infection.  It is indicated in cases of generalised peritonitis but care has to be taken in cases of localised peritonitis.  As much of the fluid used for lavage has to be drained as it will hinder the body’s immune system otherwise.

This may be indicated if the cause of peritonitis is undetermined or intestinal rupture or intestinal obstruction or mesenteric avulsion is suspected.  Abdominal lavage is controversial due to the possibility of dissemination of infection.  It is indicated in cases of generalised peritonitis but care has to be taken in cases of localised peritonitis.  As much of the fluid used for lavage has to be drained as it will hinder the body’s immune system otherwise.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==