Diagnostic Approach to the Acute Abdomen.

The acute abdomen is a term used to characterize an animal presented as an emergency, in a more or less severe critical state, and for which medical and possibly surgical treatment will be necessary. To succeed, the clinician should use a systematic approach, have an excellent knowledge of the bovine abdominal anatomy, and have a good understanding of the pathophysiology of abdominal pain. Good clinical judgment, critical analysis, and good client communication skills are also essential. This article presents and discusses those necessary skills in the context of field practice.