Use of iohexol as a gastrointestinal contrast agent in three dogs, five cats, and one bird.

Barium sulfate suspension is routinely used as contrast medium for upper gastrointestinal procedures. It has been contraindicated for use in cases of suspected perforation. In such instances, water-soluble iodides are recommended for use. Most of the water-soluble iodides available for use in veterinary medicine at this time are hyperosmolar. This results in in transit dilution of the contrast column. The dilution of the contrast agent within the intestines may prevent visualization of a perforation, especially if the perforation is in the distal portion of the small intestine. Iohexol a nonionic water-soluble iodide of low osmolality, is currently used in veterinary medicine for myelography. We have used it as the contrast agent for upper gastrointestinal studies in cases of suspected obstruction or perforation, with good results, and no adverse effects have been associated with its use. Opacity of the contrast column was adequate, and segmentation or flocculation of the column was not apparent.