Week 5- Approach to distended abdomen Flashcards
What can cause abdominal distension?
- Rupture of the abdominal wall
- Weakness of the abdominal wall
What causes true distension?
- pneumoperitoneum
- obesity
- neoplasia
- ascites
What is ascites?
a pathological accumulation of free fluid
within the abdominal cavity
How does abdominocentesis?
- Clip and prepare for an aseptic procedure
- local anaesthetic/ sedation usually unnecessary
What is a gastric dilation?
Dramatic distension of the stomach with air
What is gastric dilation and volvulus?
Stomach twists on its axis
What is the aetiology of gastric dilation and volvulus
- Giant and large breed dog
- Familial history
- Multi factorial - post prandial exercise, overreating, excessive water intake
What are the gastric distension complications?
Increased intragastric pressure
* Compression small blood vessels = decreased perfusion = necrosis gastric mucosa
* Oesophageal sphincter occluded – exacerbates the situation
* Vena cava occluded = impaired venous return to the heart = hypovolaemic shock
* Impaired diaphragmatic function = affects respiration / oxygenation
* Splenic torsion can accompany
* Variable acid-base and electrolyte disturbances = metabolic acidosis (hypoperfusion =
lactic acid)
How does decompression work?
Stomach tube
* Trocharization / Percutaneous
gastrocentesis (18G)
What are Intravenous Fluids used for?
2 cephalic catheters
20ml/kg bolus every 20 minutes
