Iatrogenic laceration of abdominal aorta in a dog

Abstract

Abdominal ultrasound associated with cystocentesis is a common method of diagnostic and investigation of urinary tract disorders in dogs and cats. This technique is used to aspirate a certain volume of urine for laboratorial analyses. Although considered as a safe technique, it may cause urine extravasation in the extraperitoneal cavity, injuries in the bladder wall and adjacent structures. The aim of this work is to present a cystocentesis in a male dog, which moved abruptly during the exam, resulting in a trauma to the abdominal aorta artery. The patient was referred for emergency care, where were applied oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, compressive bandage, blood transfusion and administration of vasoactive drugs and positive inotropic drugs. However, surgical intervention was still required, with an exploratory celiotomy. During the intraoperative phase, a laceration in the iliac branch of the caudal abdominal aorta was identified. The laceration was fixed by suturing the vessel wall with absorbable thread in a simple continuous pattern. After the procedure, the patient was referred for medical follow-up in an Intensive Care Unit for stabilization of vital signs and stabilization of erythrocyte volume, having a positive recovery and discharged after 10 days.