Hemoperitoneum

Hemoperitoneum is a relatively common disease process diagnosed in small animal medicine, although its true prevalence in veterinary patients is unknown. It is classified into two broad categories based on the etiology: traumatic and spontaneous (nontraumatic). Clinical signs can vary depending upon the disease process present, but every patient should have a complete physical examination performed. A brief evaluation of several systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, central nervous, and urinary systems, should be performed to determine the overall stability of the patient. A recently developed technique, focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) scans, has been documented to provide quick and accurate information regarding the presence of blood in the abdomen. General complications that can occur with any surgical procedure include anesthetic risks, incisional complications, and hemorrhage. Long-term prognosis in cases of spontaneous hemoperitoneum is more variable and dependent on the etiology of hemoperitoneum.