Purpose
Proper bowel preparation is essential for a successful lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Following these instructions closely helps ensure a clean colon, reduces procedure time, and minimizes additional costs associated with extended anesthesia or extra enemas.
48 Hours Before the Procedure
- Administer Miralax as follows:
- Dogs: 0.25–2 teaspoons every 12 hours
- Cats: 0.25–0.5 teaspoon every 12 hours
- If the patient does not tolerate Miralax alone, it may be mixed with a small amount of ice cream or another palatable treat.
- This preparation should help achieve adequate colon cleansing before the procedure.
36 Hours Before the Procedure
- Withhold all food.
- Water is allowed during the fasting period.
Day of Procedure
- The patient should arrive fasted (no food for 36 hours).
- In some cases, water enemas may still be required under anesthesia to complete the clean-out.
- These enemas are best performed on a wet table, if available.
Important Notes
If the colon is not properly prepared, it may result in:
- Prolonged anesthesia time (due to the need for additional enemas)
- Increased procedural cost
Following the preparation protocol carefully helps ensure the safest and most effective outcome for your pet.
West Texas Veterinary Specialists
Kirk W. Sears, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine)
TXvetspecialty.com
Lower GI Protocol – Download & Print
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