USE OF IOHEXOL AS A GASTROINTESTINAL CONTRAST-MEDIUM IN THE DOG

Iohexol was administered orally in five dogs. The dose, gastrointestin al (GI) transit time, appearance of mucosal patterns and side effects were studied. Three different doses (525, 700, 875 mgI/kg) were used i n each dog at 1-week intervals. GI transit time was rapid. In each dos e, gastric emptying commenced immediately after administration of the contrast medium, and was completed within 30-60 min with doses of 525- 700 mgI/kg and 90-120 min with 875 mgI/kg. Large intestinal filling wa s observed within 60-90 min. In the majority of studies, the mucosal b order appeared as a thin homogeneous halo of lucency surrounding the m ore opaque bowel lumen contents. The contrast intensity was not adequa te with the lowest dose. The image quality did not deteriorate along t he GI tract. No adverse reactions were found. Iohexol is an alternativ e GI contrast medium in the dog when contrast media are contraindicate d.