Parietal fibrinous peritonitis in cattle: A literature review

Background: Parietal fibrinous peritonitis (PFP) is a complication of laparotomy
in cattle, consisting of fluid and fibrin accumulation within a fibrous
capsule between the parietal peritoneum and the abdominal muscles. Since
scientific information on PFP is scarce, we aim to collect available information
to help practitioners in its diagnosis and treatment, and to formulate
research perspectives.
Methods: PubMed and GoogleScholar databases were scanned using “cattle”
or “bovine”, and one of the following keywords: “seroma”, “parietal fibrinous
peritonitis”, “retroperitoneal abscess”, or “wound infection”.
Results: Although scientific information is often anecdotal, two recent larger
studies shed more light on PFP symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms
vary according to the cavity’s localisation and size, and include anorexia,
weight loss and an inflammatory status. Rectal palpation is strongly indicative,
but the definitive diagnosis is made by ultrasound. Trueperella pyogenes
and Escherichia coli are frequently isolated germs, although it remains
unclear whether they are primary or secondary agents. Good survival rates
were reported after surgical drainage.
Conclusion: Although the diagnosis and treatment seem clear, the exact
pathogenesis of PFP should be the focus of ongoing research. This can be
achieved by epidemiological data analysis focusing on risk factors like surgery
technique, housing and ration.