Veterinary Clinical Medicine-I (General and Systemic)

ABDOMINOCENTESIS IN DOGS

Purpose

• To obtain a sample of fluid when peritoneal effusion is present
• To investigate for the presence of fluid if there is a suspicion of effusion.

Complications

• Peritonitis
• Haemoperitoneum

Procedure

• Attach the extension tubing to the syringe at the end and needle on the other end. By placing the length of the tubing between the needle and syringe sudden movement of the patient causes less trauma than syringe attached with needle. Place the patient on the examination table at lateral recumency and prepare the abdominal area extending from mid line dorsally 4-6 cms and from umbilicus 4-6 cms.
• Repeat the following in 4 locations. Two of the collections should be located cranially (dorsal / ventral) and other two caudally. Insert the needle in abdominal cavity slowly, continuously aspirating during insertion. Needle should be inserted perpendicularly to the skin. If the fluid flushes into the hub, stop the needle at that depth. If no fluid is obtained, rotation of needle or gentle redirection of the needle in the abdomen can be helpful.