Chronic Peritonitis in Buffaloes and Cattle: Clinical, Hematological, Ultrasonographic Findings and Treatment

Objectives of the present study were to describe the clinical, hematological, ultrasonographic findings and treatment of chronic peritonitis in water buffaloes (Babalus babalis) and Egyptian native breed cattle. Fifteen animal (water buffaloes, n = 7 and native breed cattle, n = 8) with signs of chronic peritonitis. All animals underwent a thorough clinical examination and complete blood count and biochemistry panel were investigated. Ultrasonographic examination was carried out in standing position using 3.5 and 5.0 MHz sector transducers. Eleven cases were treated medically and four surgically through ultrasonographic guided needle aspiration. Despite clinical signs were nonspecific, seven different lesions in the peritoneum of buffaloes and cattle were identified ultrasonographically; reticular abscess with/out peritoneal effusion, ruptured reticular abscess, purulent peritonitis, peritoneal abscess, fibrinous peritonitis and adhesions due to traumatic reticuloperitonitis. There were significant neutrophilic leukocytosis, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia. Diagnosis was confirmed in five cases via necropsy. Full recovery was achieved in all surgically treated animals whereas slaughtering was recommended for all medically treated cases. In conclusion, ultrasonography is feasible diagnostic tool for identifying different forms of chronic peritonitis in bovine. Clinical signs and laboratory findings are nonspecific. Surgical intervention is a valuable choice of treatment.