Peritonitis

Symptoms

Abdominal pain causing tense abdominal muscles, loss of appetite with rapid weight loss following this, a reluctance to lie down and severe depression.

Cause

Usually follows an injury to the abdominal wall or injury to the uterus after foaling. May also be caused by a stomach ulcer or rupture of the intestine.

Treatment

Usually fatal following a rupture of the intestine or stomach ulcer due to the shock caused by intestinal contents emptying into the peritoneal cavity. Contact a vet immediately who will treat for shock and administer antibiotics which may cure peritonitis if caused by a wound or after foaling.

Please remember this information is provided as a guide only and professional advice should be sought before any diagnosis or treatment is applied.