IOHEXOL AS A GASTROINTESTINAL CONTRAST-MEDIUM IN THE CAT

Iohexol was evaluated as a radiologic contrast medium in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in cats. Three different doses (525, 700, 875 mg iodine/kg with an iodine concentration of 300 mg iodine/mL) diluted with tap water until a total volume of 10 ml/kg, were administered via an orogastric tube, to 5 cats at weekly intervals. The GI transit time was rapid and variable. Gastric emptying commenced immediately after administration of the contrast medium and was complete within 10-30 min. In each dose, iohexol reached the large intestine within 10-20 min. In 73% (11/15) of studies, the mucosal border appeared as a thin homogeneous ''halo'' of lucency surrounding the more opaque contents of the small intestine. Radiographic image quality of the GI tract was inadequate with the lowest dose (525 mg iodine/kg). Image quality did not deteriorate along the GI tract. Absorption of iohexol from the GI tract was observed in 40% (6/15) of examinations, where opacification of the urinary bladder was seen. No side effects were observed. Iohexol should be considered as an alternative GI contrast medium in the cat when the use of other radiologic contrast media is contraindicated.