Intrabladder pressure as predictor of intra-abdominal pressure in horses.

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate effects of postural changes and bladder distention on intrabladder pressure whilst estimating intra-abdominal pressure in horses.DesignTwo-year cohort study. Patients admitted for elective surgical procedures unrelated to gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract.SettingSchool of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.Animals20 adult horses, 11 males (stallions and geldings) and 9 females; between 3.5 and 12 years, weighing 350 to 500 kg.InterventionsIntra-abdominal pressure was directly-recorded through abdominocentesis at the ventral midline with a fluid-filled system. Intrabladder pressure was obtained from a bladder catheter with the fluid-filled system zeroed at the level of the tuber ischia with patients in dorsal recumbency or pubic symphysis if in lateral recumbency.Measurements and main resultsBody position directly influenced intra-abdominal pressure. In dorsal recumbency, intra-abdominal pressure differed (p ConclusionsIndirect assessment of equine intra-abdominal pressure cannot be made in dorsal recumbency. For that purpose, patients should be in left lateral recumbency with the bladder distended with 50 ml. Values can be recorded at end-inspiration or end-expiration.RestrictionOcclusion of the catheter tip by the bladder wall when minimally distended.