Non-contractile movement of tantalum powder in the canine rectum

Caudad movement of trantalum particles in the rectum was observed in 5 recumbent anesthetized beagle bitches in the absence of muscular contractions as monitored by intrarectal balloons. The movement did not occur after injections of atropine or glucagon alone but did occur when a bisacodyl suppository was introduced in addition to the injection of glucagon. Along with direct observation of rectal mucosa, this strongly suggests the role of mucus as a carrier of the particles.