Guidelines > Management of Induced Peritonitis
This document provides guidelines on the management of peritonitis in mice or rats induced by irritants, various proteins, or chemicals.
Best Practices recommend that fluid pressure be relieved by abdominal paracentesis when visible abdominal distention becomes evident, and prior to the development of marked abdominal distention with associated clinical signs of pain or distress.
Guidelines recommend that fluid volumes not exceed 20% of the baseline body weight prior to performing abdominal paracentesis.
The use of anesthesia for abdominal paracentesis is required. Isoflurane is commonly recommended for this procedure.
To minimize bacterial contamination, preparation of the paracentesis site with an antiseptic preparation is recommended. An 18 to 20 gauge needle is commonly used because the proteinaceous or cellular fluid is frequently viscous. Use of a large gauge needle also permits more rapid collection of fluid which reduces the duration of anesthesia.
To help prevent shock, which may result from rapid fluid loss especially when large volumes of fluid are collected, 1-2 ml of warm saline or lactated ringers solution may be administered subcutaneously to the mouse at the time of paracentesis-remember good practice volumes in the mouse generally should not exceed 0.5ml/site.
The number of abdominal taps may vary. Recommendations regarding number of times paracentesis is permitted to be performed—may vary provided that fluid continues to accumulate, the animals continue to maintain good body condition without evidence of debilitation or complications from the procedure, and animals exhibit no signs of pain or distress.
There is a requirement that animals be observed at least once daily, 7 days a week, with assurance that the animals would be euthanized if they appear distressed.
References: ILAR Journal V37 (3) 1995
