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01860-A: Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis of Bacterial Peritonitis
Grant Status: Open
Grant Amount: $6,258
Dr. Elizabeth J. Thomovsky, DVM, MS, Purdue University
July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013
Breed(s): -All Dogs
Research Program Area: Immunology and Infectious Disease
Abstract
Bacterial peritonitis is a life-threatening condition in dogs where bacteria colonize the abdomen. The source of bacteria in peritonitis is typically leakage from the GI tract, although in some cases it can be blood-borne. Dogs with peritonitis require surgery to treat the condition. Reported mortality rates in dogs for this condition range from 30%-68%, with outcomes worsening the longer that the condition goes untreated. Unfortunately, clinical and physical exam signs are variable and non-specific, making it difficult for veterinarians to diagnose this condition without the need to send out samples to reference laboratories. There is a need for a bed-side diagnostic test that can aid in the diagnosis of bacterial peritonitis. Dr. Thomovsky will use a urine dipstick to test abdominal fluid samples from all dogs presenting to their teaching hospital with abdominal fluid. These dipstick results will be compared to the results of standard fluid analysis at a clinical pathology reference laboratory, as well as bacterial culture of the fluid in order to determine the ability of the dipstick results to accurately predict peritonitis.
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