Describe the two techniques used to perform abdominocentesis. Which technique is most likely
to cause a laceration of an abdominal structure?
Abdominocentesis in the horse can be performed using either a hypodermic needle or a teat
cannula. Both techniques require a three-step surgical preparation of a 4" × 4" area on the
most ventral caudal area of the horses' abdomen.
Needle method: An 18g × 1.5" needle is placed into the abdominal cavity. This method is more
likely to result in inadvertent laceration of the bowel.
Teat cannula: After placing a small lidocaine bleb, a No. 15 scalpel blade is used to make a
stab incision through the skin. The teat cannula is then thrust through the muscle and parietal
layers into the abdominal cavity.
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An acute disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpes family is:
A) Influenza B) Mononucleosis C) Pertussis D) Rabies
The patient's blood pressure was 120/80 at rest. During the stress test, it has fallen to 90/50 and he is cold and clammy. What is the appropriate course of action?
A) Stop the test immediately. B) Continue as is. C) Stop for a minute, then resume at a slower pace. D) Slow the pace to let the patient recover, then speed it back up to the previous level.