Comparison of barium sulphate and iohexol for gastrointestinal transit time in Barn owls (Tyto alba).

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to compare gastrointestinal (GI) transit times and evaluate the adequacy of radiographic opacification of barium sulphate (BaSO4) and iohexol in Barn owls (Tyto alba). Eight healthy juvenile owls were included in a randomized crossover study with a 5-day washout period. BaSO4 (30% w/v) and iohexol (300 mg I/ml, undiluted) were administered in a randomized order to prevent order effects and were administered via orogastric tube at a dosage of 25 ml/kg. Serial radiographs were obtained at specific intervals for up to 300 min. Three independent observers evaluated the images for transit times using a time-blinded protocol.

RESULTS

Total transit time (esophagus to cloaca) was significantly shorter for iohexol (5.0 ± 0.0 min) compared to BaSO4 (15.0 ± 8.4 min) (p = 0.039). Both agents provided adequate radiopacity for clear anatomic differentiation. No adverse effects or contrast-related complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Limitations of this study include the small sample size (n = 8) and the use of static radiography rather than fluoroscopy, which precluded real-time motility assessment. Iohexol is a safe and significantly faster alternative to BaSO4 for GI contrast studies in Barn owls. It is particularly advantageous in emergency cases requiring rapid diagnosis or involving suspected GI perforation.