Identifying and managing the acute abdomen.  Patients that are ultimately diagnosed with an acute abdomen are posing a challenge for vets and nurses because they can present in a myriad of ways. Sometimes the “acuteness” is not convincing, it looks more like a chronic problem. Sometimes the abdomen is not suspected as “the” location, it could be general malaise or back problems, maybe? Additional pitfalls such as “pattern recognition” and/or waxing and weaning clinical signs might make the initial approach more challenging. We will discuss a team approach on how to diagnose and treat these patients as often the entire practice team is needed to deal with them. 

Key Learning Objectives:

• Identify and analyse fluid in the abdomen via ultrasound and yes, as a vet nurse, you can do this!   
• Learn techniques on how to stabilise these patients, including the use of blood products.
• To cut or not to cut?