Abstract
The presence of a significant quantity of gas in the gastrointestinal tract may hinder a proper ultrasonographic examination of the abdominal organs. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of simethicone and fasting on the quality of ultrasonographic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract and the small organs in the abdominal cavity. Fourteen clinically healthy dogs were examined repeatedly after four different preparation protocols. The visualisation of the organs was assessed subjectively with a 3-point scoring system. The administration of simethicone is superior in the visualisation of the ileum, the ileocolic junction, the pancreas (body and right lobe), the jejunal lymph nodes, and both adrenal glands when compared to no preparation. The combination of the oral administration of simethicone and fasting is superior in the visualisation of the pylorus, the duodenum, the jejunum, the ileum, the ileocolic junction, the pancreas (body, right and left lobe), the jejunal lymph nodes, and both adrenal glands when compared to no preparation. The conclusion and clinical relevance from this exploratory study suggest that the oral administration of simethicone and fasting before an ultrasonographic examination significantly improve the visualisation of some abdominal organs.