DOUBLE CONTRAST GASTROGRAPHY IN THE NORMAL DOG

Abstract

Double contrast gastrography affords more accurate detection of gastric lesions because it allows direct evaluation of mucosal pattern contours. The technic involves the induction of gastric hypomotility with intravenous glucagon, gastric intubation for the introduction of air and high‐density barium directly into the stomach, and positional manipulation for maximal air‐barium interface demonstration. Some dogs require sedation. Although fluoroscopic observation is an asset in isolating gastric anatomic abnormalities, this study may be performed using conventional radiographic equipment without fluoroscopic guidance. Double contrast gastrography is used to demonstrate the stomach mucosal surface by coating it with high‐density barium and having the mucosa contrast with the air‐filled gastric lumen. There are three elements to each double contrast image: the dependent surface, the nondependent surface, and the barium pool. The barium pool is manipulated to coat the mucosal surface and fill depressions of the dependent surface. Protrusions of the dependent surface appear as radiolucencies in the barium pool. Depressions and protrusions of the nondependent surface are outlined by barium. Double contrast gastrography is indicated in dogs where clinical signs suggest anatomic changes in the gastric mucosal surface, e.g., neoplasms, ulcers, or polyps. Concurrent gastrointestinal motility evaluation is precluded by sedation and the glucagon‐induced gastric hypomotility.