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Increased peritoneal fluid lactic acid values and progressive bowel strangulation in dogs
G A DeLaurier1, R M Cannon, R H Johnson
1Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912.
American Journal of Surgery
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Peritoneal fluid lactic acid levels increase significantly after bowel strangulation in dogs, offering a potential diagnostic marker. Monitoring this, alongside plasma lactic acid, may aid in diagnosing strangulation before surgery.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Surgical Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bowel strangulation is a critical surgical emergency.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for patient outcomes.
- Current diagnostic methods may have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate peritoneal fluid and blood biochemical markers following experimental bowel strangulation in dogs.
- To determine the diagnostic utility of peritoneal fluid lactic acid and ammonia levels.
Main Methods:
- Experimental bowel strangulation was induced in 11 dogs.
- Peritoneal fluid and blood samples were analyzed for ammonia, amylase, and lactic acid.
- Measurements were taken over a 24-hour period in survivors.
Main Results:
- Peritoneal fluid lactic acid showed a near-linear increase in survivors over 24 hours, while plasma lactic acid remained stable.
- Peritoneal fluid ammonia levels significantly increased after 16 hours.
- No significant changes in peritoneal fluid amylase were observed.
- Simple bowel obstruction did not lead to significant increases in peritoneal fluid lactic acid or ammonia.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal fluid lactic acid, particularly when compared to plasma levels, shows promise as a diagnostic indicator for bowel strangulation.
- Ammonia levels may also serve as an indicator, but with a delayed response.
- Amylase is not a reliable marker in this context.