Videos

How to Perform a Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage | VETgirl Veterinary CE Videos

In this VETgirl online veterinary CE video, we demonstrate how to perform a diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL). While this isn’t a common emergency procedure, one of the indications for doing a DPL is if we are concerned that our patient has a septic peritonitis or underlying abdominal disease are not able to obtain fluid back on an abdominocentesis. Using aseptic preparation, we use a DPL catheter (In this case, we’re using a MILA DPL catheter that already has multiple side holes cut into it) and insert it gently near the peri-umbilical region.

Once we remove the stylet, we then infuse in 20-22 ml/kg of 0.9% saline into the abdomen, gently rock the animal back and forth, and then attempt to remove the effusion for cytological evaluation. Keep in mind that one generally only is able to obtain a few drops of abdominal effusion back for fluid analysis.  Once fluid is obtained, it should be spun down for analysis and evaluated in-house immediately to look for the presence of pathology (e.g., intracellular bacteria, plant/foreign material, bilirubin crystals, etc.).

Only VETgirl members can leave comments. Sign In or Join VETgirl now!