Peritoneal Lavage and Drainage with Fenestrated Balloon Catheters in Standing Horses: A Comparative Study

This experimental study compares the efficiency of two fenestrated balloon catheters in allowing drainage of fluid during abdominal lavage in 12 healthy horses. Catheter A (with multiple side holes) or catheter B (with a single side hole) was placed in the ventral abdominal wall. Lactated Ringer's solution was instilled through a catheter in each paralumbar fossa of the standing horse. Drainage was performed through two catheters A in group 1, one catheter A in group 2, and one catheter B in group 3. Drainage was not significantly faster when using two, as compared with one, catheters A (P = 1). Amount of fluids recovered was greater using catheter A compared with catheter B (P = .004). Abdominal fluid analysis on day 30 was significantly higher (P = .008) for total protein in individuals with catheter B compared with catheter A. Use of one multiple fenestrated balloon catheter may be justified in clinical cases that need abdominal lavage and drainage.