Haemoabdomen. Part 1: Diagnosis and patient stabilisation

Abstract

Haemoabdomen (also known as haemoperitoneum) is defined as free haemorrhagic fluid in the abdominal cavity. There are a number of possible causes for this condition, which can be life-threatening in nature. This article will focus on the haemoabdomen in dogs and will review the pathophysiology, the presenting clinical signs, diagnosis and initial stabilisation of patients.

Multiple Choice Questions

1.	Why are traditional crystalloids sometimes insufficient to maintain vascular volumes?
(a)	They are quickly redistributed in the body
(b)	If a large volume of blood has been lost they simply cannot fill the loss
(c)	Only hypertonic saline can help maintain vascular volumes
(d)	A and B
(e)	A and C
2.	What is Cullen’s sign?
(a)	Pale mucous membranes
(b)	Abdominal mass
(c)	Lethargy and depression
(d)	Discolouration of the umbilicus
3.	What is NOT the aim of fluid resuscitation using hypertonic saline?
(a)	To help replenish sodium and chloride
(b)	To help quickly restore vascular volume
(c)	To move fluid back into the vessels from the tissues
(d)	To provide a low-volume alternative to increasing the crystalloid fluid rate
4.	Select the TRUE disadvantage to blind abdominocentesis?
(a)	Laceration of the spleen or other organ can produce false negative results
(b)	False negative results if the effusion is low-volume
(c)	False positive results can occur in large effusions
(d)	It is cost effective but risky
5.	What does abdominal-focused assessment with sonography for trauma A-FAST permit?
(a)	Guided abdominocentesis
(b)	A quick view into the abdomen at initial assessment
(c)	Determination of the origin of the problem
(d)	A and B
6.	Which is FALSE? Abdominal counter-pressure bandages:
(a)	Have been shown experimentally to improve survival

(a)	Do not suit all dogs due to conformation
(b)	Must be applied in full consideration of other injuries, as they are contraindicated if there are thoracic or intracranial injuries
(c)	Must be removed slowly, cranially to caudally

For the answers to the MCQs, please go to: http://www.bvna.org.uk/publications/veterinary-nursing-journal

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kiara Mills

Kiara Mills BVSc MRCVS

Kiara graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2013 and works as a rotating intern at Vets Now Referrals (Glasgow Hospital). She has a special interest in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery.

Elizabeth M. Welsh

Elizabeth M. Welsh BVMS PhD CertVA CertSAS MRCVS

Liz graduated from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School in 1989. She works for Vets Now Referrals (Glasgow Hospital) as a referral clinician in soft tissue surgery.