Peritoneal Drainage with Fenestrated Balloon Catheters in Standing Horses: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction
Prompt and aggressive treatment of peritonitis is often essential in horses. After stabilizing the animal’s condition and correcting the primary cause of peritonitis, abdominal lavage and drainage can be helpful, especially in acute cases. Beneficial effects of abdominal drainage and lavage include the removal and consequent decrease in concentration of bacteria, enzymes, toxins, degenerative neutrophils, and cellular debris in the peritoneal cavity. It also dilutes fibrinogen and fibrin, which decreases adhesion formation.^1,2  Different procedures for peritoneal lavage have been documented in adult horses,^3–5  but factors such as the abdominal area treated by lavage solutions, optimal methods, ideal catheter materials, and lavage solutions remain to be elucidated. A variety of drainage techniques exist, including open or closed techniques6 and active and passive drainage system.^3–5  Inclusion of antiseptics and antibiotics in the lavage fluid are reported to induce chemical peritonitis,^3,7  but heparin inhibits fibrin formation and can be added to the lavage solution at 5000 IU/l.8 Usually, 10 –20 l of the solution is administered, and it is stopped if signs of discomfort are apparent.² [...]