The acute abdomen: a surgeon's approach to diagnosis and treatment

Clinical approach to a patient with acute abdominal distress involves decision making: whether to take a patient to surgery, or manage the patient medically. A thorough and systematic approach requires the use of diagnostic imaging modalities, including radiology and ultrasonography, performing diagnostic peritoneal lavage or abdominal paracentesis techniques, and bloodwork evaluation, including complete blood count and serum biochemistry profiles. In some cases, the results of diagnostic tests may lead to surgical versus medical management, particularly when a patient fails to respond to medical management alone. In other cases, such as GDV syndrome, penetrating abdominal wounds, pyometra, or uncontrolled abdominal hemorrhage, rapid surgical management is necessary for patient survival. This article describes a systematic approach to a small animal patient with acute abdomen.