COMPARISON OF GASTROGRAFIN TO BARIUM SULFATE AS A GASTROINTESTINAL CONTRAST AGENT IN RED‐EARED SLIDER TURTLES (TRACHEMYS SCRIPTA ELEGANS)

Abstract

Red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) commonly develop intestinal obstruction. The gastrointestinal transit time in turtles tends to be longer than in other animals, making a rapid diagnosis of obstruction difficult. Fifteen red-eared sliders were given either Gastrografin or 30% w/v barium sulfate orally to compare ease of administration, transit time, and image quality. Each contrast medium was easy to administer but barium sulfate had to be administered more slowly (mean = 40s) than Gastrografin (mean = 20s) to prevent regurgitation. The mean transit and emptying time of Gastrografin was at least 9 h faster than barium sulfate at all time points except gastric transit. Both contrast media had a smooth, uniform appearance that outlined the mucosa with well-defined margins within the stomach and proximal small intestine. Dilution of Gastrografin occurred as it progressed through the intestines, resulting in decreased opacity in the distal small intestine and colon. Pre-administration packed cell volume and total serum protein levels of four turtles receiving Gastrografin were compared with levels at 24-, 96-, and 168-hours postadministration as well as to four control turtles not receiving contrast medium. Packed cell volume and total serum protein levels did not significantly differ among the Gastrografin and control group. From a clinical perspective, administration of Gastrografin allows for quicker results with only minor hematologic changes in red-eared sliders, but visualization of this contrast medium in the lower gastrointestinal tract may be insufficient for an accurate diagnosis.

RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY AND BARIUM SULFATE CONTRAST TRANSIT TIME OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF BEARDED DRAGONS (Pogona vitticeps)

“…Ileus or constipation can also be secondary to anatomic malformation of the pelvis or spine, follicular stasis, renomegaly, or other organomegaly . Contrast studies offer a noninvasive technique to investigate gastrointestinal transit in reptiles, as previously described in green iguanas ( Iguana iguana ), ball pythons ( Python regius ), leopard tortoises ( Testudo pardalis ), Mediterranean tortoises ( Testudo hermanni ), hawsbill sea turtles ( Erethmochelys imbricata ), loggerhead sea turtles ( Caretta caretta ), and red‐eared slider turtles ( Trachemys scripta elegans ) . Digestive emptying times are typically higher in reptiles compared to mammals, and this transit time may increase with gastrointestinal disease: up to 40 days has been reported in loggerhead sea turtles .…”

Clinical Update on Diagnosis and Management of Disorders of the Digestive System of Reptiles

“…In red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) Gastrografin resulted in at least 9 hours faster transit and emptying times compared with barium sulfate, with the exception of gastric transit times. 11 However, although Gastrografin resulted in quicker radiographic results, its radiographic opacity progressively decreased in the distal small intestine and large intestine of the red-eared sliders. This made visualization more difficult compared with barium sulfate, which resulted in excellent contrast even when diluted in the distal intestinal segments.…”

“…This made visualization more difficult compared with barium sulfate, which resulted in excellent contrast even when diluted in the distal intestinal segments. 11 When compared with barium sulfate, Gastrografin was reported to be faster to administer in red-eared sliders and did not carry a risk of regurgitation. 11 The potential risk of solidification of barium sulfate, especially in the large intestine of herbivorous reptiles due to the long transit times, is of concern.…”

“…11 When compared with barium sulfate, Gastrografin was reported to be faster to administer in red-eared sliders and did not carry a risk of regurgitation. 11 The potential risk of solidification of barium sulfate, especially in the large intestine of herbivorous reptiles due to the long transit times, is of concern. When iodine-based contrast media is used, solidification has not been a problem with any group of reptiles.…”

“…In healthy red-eared sliders Gastrografin (5 mL/kg) had no significant effect on packed cell volume or total solids. 11 In order to use the published GI contrast studies in reptiles as a reference for interpretation of results obtained in individual reptile patients, it is critical to adhere to the methods used by each respective study, in particular if transit and emptying times are of concern (Table 1). Specific methods one should follow regarding GI contrast studies include type of contrast medium, concentration and volume of contrast medium, environmental temperature, and fasting time.…”