Closed suction drainage for treatment of septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin in 20 dogs

To determine survival rate in dogs with septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin treated with closed suction drainage.Retrospective case series.Dogs (n = 20) with septic peritonitis.Medical records (2007-2010) of dogs with septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin treated by closed suction drainage were reviewed. Information on signalment, clinicopathologic abnormalities, underlying cause, surgical procedure performed, postoperative management, complications, and outcome was obtained.Dehiscence of a previous anastomosis was the most common source of contamination (80%). Drains remained in place, collecting fluid produced within the abdomen, for a median of 6 days (range, 2-11 days). Eighteen dogs received nutritional support, and 14 received plasma transfusions. Seventeen dogs (85%) survived to discharge.Closed suction drainage together with resolution of the underlying cause of peritonitis and appropriate postoperative management is an effective technique for treatment of septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin in dogs.