CAL - Spontaneous Haemoabdomen in a dog

Question 1

Ddx - spontaneous canine haemoabdomen

Answer 1

• splenic HSA (70%)
• haematoma
• haemangioma
• other splenic tumours
• ruptured liver mass: HSA or hepatocellular carcinoma most likely. Benign lesions possible.
• other causes of shock or intra-abdominal haemorrhage

Question 2

Outline fluid therapy to tx hypovolaemic shock

Answer 2

• treat to effect
• initial bolus which is a proportion of a shock bolus of 60-90ml/kg based given on severity CVS parameters (e.g. 20-40ml/kg over 20 mins)
• subsequent boluses based on response to CV parameters
• aim for MABP to be 70 mmHg before sx

Question 3

T/F: animals with splenic masses are particularly prone to cardiac arrhythmias

Answer 3

True. Give anti-dysrrhythmic medication only if cardiac arrhythmias persist after fluid therapy tx of hypoperfusion.

Question 4

Why is a FNA of liver/splenic mass unhelpful in cases of haemangioma/ sarcoma?

Answer 4

often only seen blood

Question 5

What type of protocol positively influences survival times of dogs with HSA after splenectomy sx?

Answer 5

Doxorubicin containing protocols