Abdominal Pain in Small Animals Flashcards
What is ‘acute abdomen’?
Severe abdominal pain caused by acute disease or injury to internal organs.
What needs to be assessed when taking a history from a patient with acute abdomen?
Vomiting/(regurgitation) Appetite Behaviour, gait Grunting, groaning or biting Progression of clinical signs Recent surgery? Toxins/medications/foreign bodies Urination/defecation Vaccination/worming Spey/neutered/on-heat
What needs to be specifically examined on physical exam?
Abdominal palpation - pain and location
Fluid thrill/Tympany
Physiological changes
Ptyalism (hypersalivation)
What are the steps after developing a DDx list that needs to be done?
Diagnostic plan
Treatment Plan
Follow up plan
What organs of the abdomen could have a disease associated them that is the cause of abdominal pain?
Stomach/Intestines Pancreas Liver Spleen Kidney Bladder/urethra Cavity itself Reproductive
What could abdominal pain be mistaken for?
Spinal pain
Nervousness
Respiratory
Hyperasthesia
What can make up the diagnostic approach?
PCV/Total Solids/Blood smear BGs Abdominal Ultrasound (for free fluid) Abdominocentesis Radiography Diagnostic peritoneal Lavage CT Haematology/Biochemistry Ex Lap
Is pyometra always urgent?
Usually less urgent if open.
What things can be administered in a medical emergency
IV fluids Antiemetic Gastroprotectants Nutrition GI Stimulants (Antibiotics) Analagesia
What analgesics are there?
Pure opiods
Partial agonist opiods
NSAIDs
Multimodal
What things need to be considered as part of follow up treatments?
Physical Exam Analgesia Fluids Diagnostic monitoring (PCV etc..) Nutrition Home instructions
See lecture for differentials list
See lecture for differentials list
