Comparison of dogs with septic peritonitis due to S. lupi aberrant migration and dogs with other gastrointestinal causes of septic peritonitis. A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Septic peritonitis in dogs is a critical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Spirocerca lupi-associated septic peritonitis (SL) is an emerging and poorly described entity caused by aberrant larval migration resulting in mesenteric infarction and intestinal necrosis.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and outcomes in dogs with SL, and to compare them with cases of gastrointestinal origin septic peritonitis (GI).

METHODS

Forty-nine dogs diagnosed with septic peritonitis were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Dogs were assigned to the SL group (n = 21) or the GI group (n = 28) based on histopathologic findings. Clinical, clinicopathologic, imaging, and outcome data were collected and statistically compared.

RESULTS

A significantly higher proportion of dogs in the SL group presented during the hot season (77.8% vs. 21.4%; P = 0.001). Eosinophils were significantly more prevalent in abdominal fluid cytology in the SL group (80% vs. 5.6%; P < 0.001). Loss of intestinal wall layering on ultrasound was more common in the SL group (100% vs. 47%; P = 0.001). Survival to discharge was significantly higher in the SL group (86% vs. 54%; P = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in hospitalization time (P = 0.132), complication rates (P = 0.16), or proportion receiving preventive anthelmintic treatment (P = 0.708).

CONCLUSIONS

SL-associated septic peritonitis presents with unique diagnostic features and carries a more favorable prognosis than GI-related peritonitis. Awareness of its seasonal presentation, ultrasonographic findings, and eosinophilic effusion may aid in early recognition and improved clinical outcomes in endemic areas.