Suitability of the cranial portion of the vagina as a site for measurementof intra-abdominal pressure variations in dogs

Objective-To determine whether the cranial portion of the vagina of dogs is a suitable site for measuring intra-abdominal pressure during cystometry. Animals-16 bitches (8 sexually intact and 8 spayed). Procedure-2 types of vaginal catheters were used to measure intra-abdominal pressure changes in anesthetized dogs. Catheters were inserted in the rect um and cranial portion of the vagina. Results-Intra-abdominal pressure variations were detected with greater magn itude in the rectum than the cranial portion of the vagina; regardless of t ype of catheter used and reproductive status (sexually intact vs spayed) of the dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The rectum was the better site for measu ring intra-abdominal pressure changes in female dogs. Measurement of intra- abdominal pressure with concomitant measurement of intravesical pressure to determine detrusor pressure during cystometry in female dogs is more relia bly detected from the rectum than the cranial portion of the vagina.