The search for more efficacious methods with which to combat the deleterious effects of strangulated intestinal obstruction is justified by the continuing high mortality rate of this condition. The toxicity of peritoneal fluid resulting from strangulation obstruction is now well established. Previous experiments have shown that irrigation of the peritoneal cavity of normal dogs increased their chances for survival following exposure to peritoneal fluid of animals dying of strangulation obstruction.3 Evidence was also obtained which indicated that the combination of irrigation and antibiotics was more beneficial than either method alone.2 These animals, of course, were not subjected to the harmful effects of fluid, electrolyte, and blood loss, as well as complications incident to resection and anastomosis of intestine. The purpose of the following experiments was to establish the value of peritoneal lavage and parenteral antibiotics in the treatment of animals with strangulation obstruction. Materials and Methods Forty adult