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Abdominocentesis techniques in horses.
Abstract: Abdominocentesis is commonly used to evaluate the abdominal cavity of the horse. This technique provides valuable diagnostic information as well as the means to monitor patients with abdominal diseases being managed medically and to determine their need for surgical management. Complications are uncommon and include trauma to the gastrointestinal tract or spleen, septic peritonitis, or abdominal wall infection. Methods: This review describes the indications, utility, patient preparation, and instructions for performing abdominocentesis as well as possible complications reported in horses. Step-by-step instructions are provided for the two most commonly used abdominocentesis techniques in horses, which include the use of a needle (18 Ga, 3.8 cm [1.5 in]) and a teat cannula (9.5 cm [3.75 in]). Conclusions: Peritoneal fluid collection and fluid analysis can be used to confirm diagnosis of intraabdominal pathology including inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, obstructive, and bowel strangulation, leading to additional diagnostic and therapeutic plans. Conclusions: Abdominocentesis is useful as a diagnostic procedure in horses suffering from colic, diarrhea, weight loss, or other conditions involving the abdominal cavity and is an integral component of diagnostic testing for colic at referral institutions or in the field. Abdominal fluid collection using an 18-Ga, 3.8-cm (1.5-in) needle is recommended for adult horses because the needle is long enough to penetrate the peritoneal cavity. The teat cannula technique is recommended for use in adult horses, foals, and miniature horses to reduce the risk of enterocentesis, even though this procedure is more traumatic than using an 18-Ga, 3.8-cm needle. Ultrasonography of the abdomen is a valuable tool in the assessment of any horse with signs of colic, but it is not essential for performing an abdominocentesis successfully.
© Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2022.
Publication Date: 2022-01-20 PubMed ID: 35044064DOI: 10.1111/vec.13118Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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This research article focuses on the techniques and uses of abdominocentesis in horses, a procedure that helps medical professionals monitor and diagnose abdominal diseases which aids in the determination of surgical treatment needs.
Abdominocentesis Techniques and Utilization
- The article explains how abdominocentesis is used as a regular diagnostic procedure to evaluate the interior of a horse’s abdomen. This method plays a crucial part in diagnosing diseases, monitoring patients with abdominal issues, and ascertaining the requirement for surgical treatment.
- The study covers a range of topics, including the indications and benefits of abdominocentesis, steps for patient preparation, the process of conducting the procedure, and potential complications that may arise in handling horse patients.
- The instructions provided are detailed and they pertain to the two most widely used methods in horses – one using an 18 Gauge, 3.8 cm (1.5 in) needle, and another using a teat cannula measuring 9.5 cm (3.75 in).
Diagnostic Applications and Recommendations
- Peritoneal fluid collection and its analysis facilitated by abdominocentesis aids in confirming diagnoses of various types of intraabdominal conditions. These could include inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic (cancerous), and obstructive ailments, as well as bowel strangulation. Successful diagnosis then guides further diagnostic and therapeutic plans.
- The study unequivocally states the importance of abdominocentesis in diagnosing conditions in horses such as colic, diarrhea, and weight loss. It is also an integral part of diagnostic testing for colic at referral institutions or in fieldwork.
- In terms of technical recommendations, the study suggests using an 18-Ga, 3.8 cm needle for adult horses, as the needle is long enough to penetrate the peritoneal cavity. The teat cannula technique, though more traumatic, is advocated for use with adult horses, foals, and miniature horses, as it reduces chances of an enterocentesis complication.
Role of Ultrasound in Abdominocentesis
- As per the findings of this study, although not essential, ultrasonography (imaging using sound waves) of the abdomen is a valuable tool when assessing horses with signs of colic. It contributes to the effectiveness and accuracy of the abdominocentesis procedure.
Cite This Article
APA
Radcliffe RM, Hill JA, Liu SY, Cook VL, Hurcombe SDA, Divers TJ.
(2022).
Abdominocentesis techniques in horses.
J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio), 32(S1), 72-80.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.13118 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
- Emergency Surgery and Medicine, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, Elmont, New York, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Abdomen
- Animals
- Ascitic Fluid
- Colic / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Peritonitis / diagnosis
- Peritonitis / veterinary
References
This article includes 9 references
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