The diagnostic method of choice for evaluating patients with suspected blunt abdominal trauma is the abdominal FAST (AFAST) exam, with ultrasound-guided or 4-quadrant needle abdominocentesis if free abdominal fluid is noted. Consider CT if advanced imaging is available.

 

AFAST

Perform an AFAST exam during the initial evaluation phase of every MWD with a history of trauma, acute collapse, or weakness. FAST is proven in dogs to be extremely reliable in detecting free abdominal fluid and can be performed rapidly during resuscitation.8

 

Figure 39.  Imaging Locations for AFAST.

Figure 39 shows ultrasound probe placement sites for AFAST scanning of dogs. The dog‘s head is to the left; the dog is in right lateral recumbency.

DH = diaphragmatic-hepatic

SR = splenorenal

CC = cystocolic

HR = hepatorenal