Assessment of changes in intra-abdominal pressure and abdominal perfusion pressure in late-term pregnant queens undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy

OBJECTIVECompare changes in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), abdominal perfusion pressure (APP), hemodynamics, and clinicopathological variables in nonpregnant and late-term pregnant queens undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (OHE) and evaluate the effect of patient positioning on IAP and APP measurements. ANIMALS18 late-term pregnant queens and 25 nonpregnant controls. PROCEDURESTemperature, heart rate (HR), Doppler blood pressure (DBP), IAP (dorsal and right lateral), PCV, total protein (TP), and lactate were recorded preoperatively, at abdominal wall closure (dorsal IAP only), and postoperatively under general anesthesia. Uterine weight, blood loss, and surgical duration were recorded. Abdominal perfusion pressure was calculated as DBP minus IAP. RESULTSPre- and postoperatively, pregnant queens had lower DBP, APP, and PCV compared to controls (P < 0.001). IAP was higher in pregnant queens preoperatively (P < 0.001). Controls had a decrease in HR and increase in IAP, while both groups had a decrease in body temperature, DBP, APP, and lactate over time (P < 0.05). Pregnant queens had a decrease (P = 0.029), and controls had an increase in TP (P = 0.001). Blood loss and surgical time were greater for pregnant queens (P < 0.001). Dorsal IAP and APP were higher and lower than right lateral measurements (P < 0.001), respectively, and correlation was strong. CLINICAL RELEVANCEHemodynamics and APP are impaired in late-term pregnant queens undergoing OHE, and increased monitoring is warranted. Although strongly correlated, feline IAP and APP measurements in dorsal and right lateral recumbency are not interchangeable.