Special Procedure: Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series

An upper GI series is a progressive radiographic study performed after the oral administration of positive contrast (barium). This study allows visualization of the stomach and small intestines. After the administration of the contrast, conventional radiographs (x-rays) are obtained at multiple time intervals. The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center uses computed (or digital) radiography to obtain excellent images. In some cases, digital fluoroscopy (real time, continuous, low dose x-rays) is used to image the stomach and intestines.

The upper GI series is useful for evaluating the structure of the stomach and small intestine as well as providing information regarding some function (motility) of these structures. Indications for this study include assessing for motility reasons for vomiting or not eating, looking for foreign bodies, looking for lesions of the intestine wall (inflammation or cancer), or evaluating for ulcers. Sometimes the study is performed to look for a leak in the stomach or small intestines. The results of the upper GI series will help your veterinarian make a more definitive diagnosis and offer you the best options for treating your pet.

This is a safe procedure with rare complications. If your pet vomits during the study, he/she may aspirate some of the contrast (barium) into the lungs, but the contrast is inert in the lungs and should not cause problems unless a large volume is aspirated. If there is the possibility of a leak in the stomach or small intestines, a different type of contrast (iodinated) may be used which is safer when contrast leaks into the abdominal cavity. This contrast does not allow the optimal evaluation of the stomach and small intestine, which is why it is not routinely used.

The intestinal tract must be completely empty in order to ensure optimal evaluation, particularly when the study is used for evaluation of motility. Please withhold food from your pet for 18 hours to ensure that the intestinal tract is empty. Please continue to provide free access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for instructions if your pet is on any medications.

Patient preparation will also include cleansing enemas in order to evacuate the colon as a full colon can impair stomach and small intestine motility as well as obscure evaluation of the stomach and small intestine. The general practice technicians will perform this service the morning of the exam. Please do not administer at-home laxatives or enema products purchased over-the-counter for human or other use. Many of these products are not safe for use in dogs and cats.

We will ask your veterinarian to fax us a copy of the medical record so that you do not need to be responsible. However, if your veterinarian has any x-rays that they are unable to mail to us in time for the appointment, we ask that you please bring those to the appointment.

It is normal for your pet's feces to appear white or discolored following the upper GI series because barium is white and often can be seen for a couple days until all the barium passes. Sedation is not commonly needed for an upper GI series; however, some animals can be anxious and stressed, and for those, a small dose of sedative may be needed at the start of the study. If sedated at the start of the procedure, your pet should be recovered to their usual demeanor by the end of the study. Once your pet is standing and able to move around safely (or at the end of the study for non-sedated patients) your pet will be hospitalized in our wards. Your pet will be able to be discharged after 3:00 pm. You will be notified as to when you may pick up your pet.

The radiologist who performed your pet's procedure will complete a report which will be faxed to your referring veterinarian. Your referring veterinarian will call you to discuss the results of this procedure.