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How to perform an abdominocentesis in a dog | VETgirl Veterinary CE Videos

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education video, we demonstrate how to perform an abdominocentesis in a dog. Performing an abdominocentesis is an important skill that veterinarians must feel comfortable performing. Typically this is done to help diagnosis underlying disease (e.g., acute abdomen, neoplasia, etc.) or to help alleviate clinical signs (e.g., secondary to right-sided congestive heart failure, etc.).

When performing an abdominocentesis, aseptic technique should be used. For a diagnostic abdominocentesis, a 1 ml, 3 ml or 6 ml syringe and needle can be used (e.g., closed technique). For a therapeutic abdominocentesis (e.g., to alleviate ascites secondary to right-sided congestive heart failure), a larger 20 ml or 60 ml syringe set up can be used (with a 3-way stopcock, extension setting, etc.).

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