Generalized peritonitis in dogs: 50 cases (1975-1986).

Medical records of 50 dogs with generalized peritonitis and examined between 1975 and 1986 were reviewed. In these dogs, the gastrointestinal tract was the most common source of peritoneal cavity contamination (30 dogs). The most common cause of contamination was surgical wound dehiscence (14 dogs). Overall mortality of the 50 dogs was 68%.