SAEVA Congress 2018 Proceedings | 12-15 February 2018 | ATKV Goudini Spa
Gastric impaction
Gastric rupture
Gastric rupture can be imaged if the rupture involves the greater curvature of the
stomach. Gas in the mesentery adjacent to the stomach or stuck in the fibrin present
within the peritoneal fluid is suggestive of a gastric rupture. Fibrin and particulate matter
are imaged floating within the large amount of free peritoneal fluid. A
pneumoperitoneum is often present in horses with gastric rupture.
Pneumoperitoneum secondary to gastric rupture
Peritoneal fluid
Normally only a small amount of anechoic peritoneal fluid is imaged during an
abdominal ultrasonographic examination. The detection of a large amount of anechoic
fluid is consistent with ascites (rare in horses), peritonitis or neoplasia. The detection of
hypoechoic or echogenic, flocculent, composite fluid, fibrin and/or adhesions between
the serosal surfaces of the intestine and the abdominal wall is compatible with
peritonitis.
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