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Large bowel transit times using radiopaque markers in normal cats
V Fucci1, R D Pechman, C S Hedlund
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|November 1, 1995
Summary
This study determined normal colonic transit times in cats using radiopaque markers. It found that markers accumulate in the large bowel within eight hours and take approximately 40 hours to evacuate.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Gastroenterology
- Comparative Physiology
Background:
- Normal colonic transit times are crucial for feline health.
- Previous studies have not definitively established these times in healthy cats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline large bowel transit times in normal, healthy cats.
- To provide a reference for future studies on feline constipation.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of radiopaque markers in gelatin capsules to seven healthy female cats.
- Colon evacuation via warm-water enemas prior to marker administration.
- Twice-daily abdominal radiography to track marker expulsion.
Main Results:
- Markers accumulated in the proximal large bowel within 8 hours.
- Complete colonic evacuation averaged 40 hours post-administration.
- No significant inter-animal or inter-trial variations were observed.
Conclusions:
- This study successfully defined normal colonic transit times in cats.
- The established baseline is essential for diagnosing and managing feline gastrointestinal disorders, particularly constipation.