Transdiaphragmatic pressure measurement in cattle: technical data.

Abstract

Techniques and methods required for accurate and reproducible measurements of transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi), were studied in seven-week and five-month-old calves. Since reliable pleural pressure measurement in cattle has already been described, separate experiments were conducted to compare retrodiaphragmatic pressures measured (i) with balloon-catheters and needle catheters, (ii) before and after eructation and (iii) in the ruminal and in the peritoneal cavities. Whereas respiratory-induced pressure changes were equally transmitted throughout the rumen content, a marked anteroposterior damping was observed as the recording site in the abdominal cavity was moved away from the diaphragm (P < 0.0001). It was concluded that the most appropriate and accurate way to measure Pdi changes in polygastric animals is to measure the pressure changes existing in the mid-thoracic portion of the oesophagus and in the liquid content of the rumen with balloon-tubing units. Neither growth- and diet-related rumen enlargement nor eructation, which are two typical characteristics of ruminants, altered the reliability of retrodiaphragmatic pressure measurements in the two age groups studied.

• Authors: D Desmecht, F Rollin, P Lekeux
• Journal: Research in veterinary science (Res Vet Sci) Vol. 53 Issue 2 Pg. 148-53 (Sep 1992) ISSN: 0034-5288 [Print] England
• PMID: 1439202 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Abdomen (physiology)
• Animals
• Cattle (physiology)
• Diaphragm (physiology)
• Male
• Pressure
• Respiratory Function Tests (veterinary)
• Respiratory Mechanics (physiology)
• Rumen (physiology)