Bowel Cleansing Solutions

Bowel Cleansing Solutions: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Bowel cleansing solutions contain polyethylene glycol as an osmotic laxative and balanced electrolytes to maintain isotonicity and prevent net fluid loss or gain.
• When administered orally they rapidly empty the bowel.

Uses of Bowel cleansing solutions

• Bowel preparation before colonoscopy or radiographic examination.
• ( N.B: some authorities do not use it in cats before colonoscopy.)
• May also be used for constipation.

Dose of Bowel cleansing solutions in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

Prior to lower GI examination: 22–33 ml/kg p.o. or by stomach tube, 2 or 3 times, at least 4 hours apart.

Cats:

Prior to lower GI examination: 22–33 ml/kg p.o. or by nasooesophageal tube.

Side Effects of Bowel cleansing solutions in Dogs and Cats

• Diarrhoea is an expected outcome.
• Occasional vomiting is seen.
• Inhalation can cause severe, and even fatal, aspiration pneumonia.

Contraindications of Bowel cleansing solutions in Dogs and Cats

• GI obstruction or perforation.
• Do not administer to heavily sedated patients or animals with a reduced gag reflex.

Some Notes:

• The powder may take several minutes to dissolve, and reconstitution is best performed by adding warm water to the powder.
• Oral medication should not be taken within 1 hour of administration as it may be flushed from the GI tract and not absorbed.