CELIOCENTESIS 



49 



when there is any doubt the operation itself is a diagnostic 

 expedient. 



EQUIPMENT.— 



i. Razor. 



2. A basin of soap and water. 



3. A basin of antiseptic solution. 



4. A small trocar and canula. 



5. A tape muzzle. 



6. Two assistants to hold the patient. 

 RESTRAINT.— The dog is muzzled and held in the 



lateral recumbent position. The canine operating table 

 is of no special advantage, as the operation is not pain- 





Fig. 24 — Dog with Ascites- in Standing Position for Evacuation of Fluid. 

 Line "P" Shows Seat of Operation and Direction of Canula. 



ful and the patient should be placed upright after the canula 

 is inserted. 



TECHNIQUE.— The belly around the umbilicus is 

 shaved and bathed with the antiseptic. The trocar and 

 canula, previously sterilized, is plunged slowly through the 

 abdominal wall just in front of the umbilical cicatrix and a 

 little to one side of linea alba. After the trocar is withdrawn 

 from the canula the fluid is allowed to flow until the stream 

 becomes feeble, then the patient is placed on its feet until all 

 has been aspirated. The abdomen may be manipulated with 

 the hands and the direction of the canula changed from time 

 to time when the flow ceases. 



SEQUELiE. — Celiocentesis is not a successful operation. 



