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RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY AND BARIUM SULFATE CONTRAST TRANSIT TIME OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF BEARDED DRAGONS ( Pogona vitticeps )
Author(s) -
Grosset Claire,
Daniaux Lise,
Guzman David SanchezMigallon,
Weber Ernest Scott,
Zwingenberger Allison,
PaulMurphy Joanne
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
veterinary radiology and ultrasound
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.541
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1740-8261
pISSN - 1058-8183
DOI - 10.1111/vru.12128
Subject(s) - medicine , cecum , barium sulfate , gastrointestinal tract , gastric emptying , barium meal , anatomy , jejunum , radiography , stomach , gastroenterology , surgery , chemistry , organic chemistry
The positive contrast gastrointestinal study is a common non‐invasive diagnostic technique that does not require anesthesia and enables good visualization of the digestive tract. Radiographic anatomy and reference intervals for gastrointestinal contrast transit time in inland bearded dragons ( Pogona vitticeps ) were established using seven animals administered 15 ml/kg of a 35% w/v suspension of barium by esophageal gavage. Dorso‐ventral and lateral radiographic views were performed at 0, 15, 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 h, and then every 12 h up to 96 h after barium administration. Gastric emptying was complete at a median time of 10 h (range 4–24 h). Median jejunum and small intestinal emptying times were 1 h (range 30 min–2 h) and 29 h (range 24–48 h), respectively. Median transit time for cecum was 10 h (range 8–12 h). Median time for contrast to reach the colon was 31 h (range 12–72 h) after administration. Results were compared to those obtained in other reptilian species. This technique appeared safe in fasted bearded dragons and would be clinically applicable in other lizard species.