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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

CT scan signs of high belly pressure in three dogs

By Jang, Min et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2019·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, South Korea·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Computed tomographic features of intra-abdominal hypertension in three dogs.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

Three dogs were brought in with symptoms like a swollen belly, not wanting to eat, and difficulty breathing. After imaging tests, it was found that one dog had a very high pressure in the abdomen, which can be dangerous. The tests showed signs of pressure on important blood vessels and organs. Treatment involved careful monitoring and anesthesia, but the study highlights the importance of recognizing these symptoms and using imaging to diagnose intra-abdominal hypertension, which can be serious if not addressed.

People also search for: dog abdominal swelling · dog not eating and breathing hard · dog intra-abdominal hypertension treatment

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe computed tomographic (CT) features of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in 3 dogs with abdominal distension. CASE SUMMARY: Three dogs with anorexia, distended abdomen, or labored breathing were presented for CT imaging. All 3 dogs were premedicated with IV butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg). A Foley urinary catheter was aseptically placed and the transvesical technique was used to obtain intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). The IAP measurements were obtained with the dogs in a standing position after a stabilization period of 5 minutes. The mean IAP values for each of the 3 dogs were 26.0, 12.0, and 13.0 mm Hg. Anesthesia was induced with IV propofol (2.0-4.0 mg/kg, to effect) in all 3 dogs and maintained with sevoflurane in 2 dogs. Compression of the caudal vena cava and elevation of the diaphragm were observed in all 3 dogs, whereas renal compression and the extension of peritoneal fluid to the vaginal canal and cavity were seen in the dog with the highest IAP. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Compression of the caudal vena cava, direct renal compression, and the extension of peritoneal fluid into the vaginal canal and vaginal cavity are consistent with a diagnosis of IAH. Measurement of IAP and detection of these CT features should alert clinicians to the possible presence of IAH in veterinary patients.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30742356/