The Global FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) protocol has revolutionized veterinary emergency management, enabling rapid and effective assessment of the thoracic and abdominal cavities in cases of trauma, shock, or critical illness. This approach, which includes the detection of ascites and pericardial effusion, allows veterinarians to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions within minutes.

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, or even neoplastic processes. Clinical signs of ascites include abdominal distension, shortness of breath, and general malaise, but confirming its presence and origin requires an ultrasound evaluation.

On the other hand, pericardial effusion (or pericardial fluid collection) refers to the accumulation of fluid around the heart, which can severely compromise its ability to pump blood effectively. In severe cases, pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade, a condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent a fatal outcome.

The Global FAST protocol facilitates the rapid and non-invasive detection of these fluids, using key ultrasound points to examine the abdominal, thoracic, and cardiac cavities for fluid accumulation or signs of trauma. Thanks to ultrasound, veterinarians can detect the presence of ascites and pericardial effusion in early stages, enabling immediate and potentially life-saving interventions.

For these types of evaluations, high-resolution ultrasound scanners play a crucial role. Equipment such as the VINNO ultrasound system , with its advanced technology and diagnostic precision, provides clear and detailed images that allow for the detection of even small amounts of fluid in the abdominal and pericardial cavities. The speed and accuracy in identifying these fluids are essential for timely intervention and establishing the appropriate treatment.

The use of Global FAST, along with quality ultrasound equipment, allows veterinarians to act efficiently in emergencies and significantly improve clinical outcomes in patients with critical conditions.

Importance of Global FAST in Emergency Veterinary Medicine

In situations where time is a determining factor, the Global FAST ultrasound has become an essential technique for the immediate assessment of critically ill patients . Thanks to its speed and accuracy, it allows veterinarians to detect signs of internal bleeding, ascites, pleural and pericardial effusion , significantly improving survival rates.

Ascites Assessment: Early Detection for Efficient Management

The ascites It is a serious condition that can be related to multiple pathologies, such as Congestive heart failure, liver disease, infectious processes, and neoplasms . Early detection through veterinary ultrasound It allows the identification of the underlying cause and the establishment of appropriate treatment before the condition worsens.

The clinical signs of Ascites in dogs and cats include Abdominal distension, dyspnea, lethargy, and weakness can be confused with other illnesses. However, thanks to the evaluation with With high-resolution ultrasound scanners , veterinarians can to differentiate ascites from other abdominal conditions and decide on the best therapeutic approach.

Pericardial Effusion: A Silent Danger

He pericardial effusion It is an accumulation of fluid in the sac surrounding the heart and can lead to a Cardiac tamponade , a condition that compromises heart function and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

The use of the protocol Global FAST allows veterinarians to quickly identify the amount and location of pericardial fluid , assessing whether emergency intervention is required, such as a ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis .

Advanced Diagnostic Equipment: A Key Tool in Emergency Veterinary Medicine

The use of VINNO ultrasound scanners , with technology from High-definition imaging and advanced Doppler enhance veterinarians' ability to assess blood flow and detect abnormalities in real time. These devices are designed to provide clear and detailed visualization of internal structures, allowing for accurate diagnoses in a matter of minutes .