The laboratory evaluation of peritoneal effusions can be used as a tool to aid in
the diagnosis of diseases in the routine veterinary medical clinic. Peritoneal
effusions, present in the abdominal cavity, develop for several reasons and may
have a single cause or association with other problems such as cancer, trauma,
cardiovascular disease, nutritional deficiency, metabolic disorders and infectious
diseases. The collection and laboratory evaluation of this fluid can provide
important information that helps the veterinarian in identifying the pathology
responsible for the accumulation of fluid in the cavity, thus determining a more
effective treatment. It is also important to emphasize that complementary exams
in most cases are essential for a definitive diagnosis.
