Medical Management of Uroperitoneum in Cats

Uroperitoneum is the accumulation of urine within the peritoneal cavity following injury to the urinary tract. This condition is most commonly caused by trauma, with the bladder being the most common site of rupture.

Urine in the peritoneal cavity results in azotaemia, as well as metabolic and electrolyte derangements with resultant cardiac disturbances, which can become life-threatening. The prognosis for these patients improves in the absence of concurrent injuries and with rapid stabilisation. It is, therefore, essential to identify and stabilise these patients quickly and effectively.