Hemoperitoneum is a common surgical emergency encountered in companion animal practice. This lecture reviews the approach to a general exploratory laparotomy, including useful instrumentation and how to obtain the best exposure when evaluating different areas of the abdomen. Presenters discuss decision-making regarding preoperative imaging, as well as complications and prognosis associated with surgery for non-traumatic hemoperitoneum. Techniques for performing splenectomy and liver biopsy in companion animals is presented.
