Name
Ultrasonographic Measurement of Caudal Vena Cava-to-Aorta Ratio in Healthy Pet Rabbits
Speakers
Margherita De Silva, CVS Veterinary Clinic
Claudia Bassi
Giulia Bersanetti
Marco Masi
Pietro Gallo, CVS
Paolo Selleri, CVS
Claudia Bassi
Giulia Bersanetti
Marco Masi
Pietro Gallo, CVS
Paolo Selleri, CVS
Description
Hemodynamic monitoring is a crucial component of intensive care medicine, as it allows early identification and treatment of hypovolemia. The ultrasonographic assessment of the caudal vena cava-to-aorta ratio (CVC:Ao), as already reported and routinely employed in clinical practice for dogs, has proved to be a valuable and noninvasive method for early recognition of the intravascular volume status of the patient. Reference intervals for CVC:Ao in pet rabbits have not been previously described in the literature. The primary objectives of the present report were to describe feasibility, ultrasonographic technique, and reference intervals for the CVC:Ao ratio using ultrasound in a population of healthy pet rabbits of various age, breeds, and of both sexes, presented for elective ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy. Secondary objectives include variations of CVC:Ao ratio depending on signalment (age, weight, sex), physical exam findings, and hematological parameters (blood gases, packed cell volume, total solids). The present study provides a description of a simple ultrasonographic method and reference parameters for use in a clinical setting to assess and monitor intravascular volume status in rabbit patients.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)