Maintaining pregnancy in a dog with septic peritonitis secondary to gastrointestinal perforation

A 3‐year‐old, 48‐day pregnant, female Great Dane was referred for a 24‐hour history of vomiting, hyporexia and abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple obstructive gastrointestinal foreign bodies, peritoneal effusion and free gas, raising concern for gastrointestinal perforation. No fetal distress was observed. Exploratory coeliotomy was performed to remove two gastric foreign bodies, repair a jejunal perforation and place a closed suction drain. Four fetuses were identified within uterine horns intraoperatively. Bacterial culture of the peritoneal fluid confirmed septic peritonitis. The dog recovered uneventfully and was discharged in a stable condition. Ten days later, an emergency caesarean section was performed for dystocia. The dam and one puppy survived to discharge. This is the first report of septic peritonitis secondary to gastrointestinal perforation in a pregnant bitch, where timely intervention without deviation from established standards of care facilitated the survival of the dam and its puppy.