Intra-abdominal pressure in dogs

Abstract

In order to favor the homogeneity of scientific studies and to provide guidelines on the diagnosis and therapy, human basal values of the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and their probable thresholds in morbid cases were recently established. However, basal values and changes in the intra-abdominal pressure in animals are still partly unknown and not scientifically confirmed. Veterinarians have the need to expand their knowledge on morbid conditions that develop with Intra-Abdominal Hypertension (IAH) or Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS). The present study aims to test in dogs the technique adopted in human medicine as a model for measurement of intra-abdominal pressure (1) and determine normal values for the species (2). Fifteen known mongrel healthy dogs, males and females and homogenous were tested. The measurement of IAP was done through an indirect technique which involves catheterizing the bladder and using a water column with a graduate ruler in cm of H20 - its final value converted to mm of Hg. The values observed ranged from a minimum sub atmospheric value (below of zero mm of Hg) to 3,75 mmHg. There was a considerable variation within the individual values observed in some animals, bringing up considerations related to body mass, frequency/total volume of the physiologic solution to be administered and inquietude of these dogs during the treatment. The thresholds values found are considered physiologic, indicating reliability of the technique and possibility of its clinical use. The absence of sedation and the use of urethral catheter did not compromised the measurement, however could have resulted in under- or overestimation of the values found.