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Gastric lavage is the term used when referring to a procedure that involves removing contents from the stomach. Gastric lavage in dogs is commonly called “pumping the stomach,” as the fluids are taken upward from the stomach organ. A gastric lavage procedure is commonly used in situations when the option of inducing emesis (vomiting) in unobtainable. Unconscious patients, ingestion of a large quantity of a toxic agent, or sometimes, in the case of gastric dilation volvulus syndrome (twisted stomach), a gastric lavage procedure is helpful. Gastric lavage procedures are often performed an emergency situation and are commonly performed in a veterinary emergency center, but can also be performed in a local veterinary clinic.
The veterinarian will first perform a routine diagnostic examination of the canine. Routine testing will include a physical exam, blood work, a urinalysis and possibly a fecal examination. Radiographs and/or an ultrasound of the abdomen may also be taken to establish the presence of gastrointestinal obstruction or abnormality prior to conducting the gastric lavage procedure.
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Gastric lavage for dogs is a highly effective way to remove a toxin from the stomach before the body ingests the element.
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After the gastric lavage procedure has been completed, the dog should show signs of improvement in the following hours. Additional motorization may be required.
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The cost to have a gastric lavage procedure performed will include routine diagnostic tests including blood work, a urinalysis and x-rays. The use of an anesthetic and oxygen therapy should also be included into the total price. Dog owners should expect to pay roughly $250 for the procedure.
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The tracheal wash procedure does require the patient to undergo a brief period of anesthesia, which is the primary concern for most dog owners. Gastric lavage also poses the risk for respiratory effects (hypoxemia), mechanical injuries (mouth, throat, stomach irritation) and aspiration pneumonia if the endotracheal cuff was not properly inflated.
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Prevent the need for a gastric lavage procedure by always follow drug instructions correctly to prevent accidental overdose. Dog owners should also keep hazardous chemicals and toxic agents out of their pet’s environment.
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Ask a Vet
A
Alaskan Malamute
9 Years
Critical severity
0 found helpful
Critical severity
Has Symptoms
My beloved Malamute intercepted mail order delivery of her Rimadyl and ate the entire bottle, roughly 100 times the daily dose. I was able to deliver her to the emergency clinic within 60-90 minutes of the event. They said they induced emesis, but it did not produce much, they didn't offer of perform Lavage. Why would they not do that? Unfortunately it proved fatal after a 5 day struggle. It seems Lavage would have been more effective early on. (Note to other readers, be very careful if ordering online medications).
Dec. 20, 2017
A's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for contacting us about A. I'm so sorry to hear of this sad story, and sorry for your loss. I can't comment on why the clinic didn't perform lavage, as I wasn't there, but one reason that we sometimes do not is if the patient isn't stable enough for the anesthesia required for lavage... I'm not sure if that was the case with A, but you can always call the veterinarian that was in charge of her case and ask what the reasoning was. Again, I am sorry for your loss.
Dec. 20, 2017
I have maybe a painful to remember question for A's owner...you mentioned a 5 day struggle... what where A's symtpoms during that time? was A hospitalized? My baby Luna (mini schnauzer) accidently lapped antifreeze and shes been hospitalized 3 days. They did a gastric lavage, administered bicarbonate, and is on an iv drip with fluids and medication for the gastric symptoms shes presenting. Her symptoms are basically vomitting and salivating usually right before vomitting. Im terrified her symptoms will worsen. She has actually started salivating this morning the 3rd day. And vomitting bile with some blood. I hurt for your loss as she is my baby girl. 4 months. Thank you.
Feb. 25, 2018
Lily A.
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rocky
Cocker Spaniel
2 Years
Moderate severity
1 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
A 10kg dog comes to you 5% dehydrated. Your veterinarian decides to replace the deficit over 24 hours and there are no ongoing losses. What fluid rate should you use? How would you monitor the response of the dog to the fluid therapy? If you did not have a fluid pump, how would you calculate the number of drops per second to be given?
Nov. 22, 2017
rocky's Owner
1 Recommendations
This is your second question; again, this service is not for Veterinary Students who cannot pick up a book to read but instead for owners of animals with serious questions - therefore not a homework service. There are many different resources online which will give you the correct information, a luxury I didn’t have at Veterinary School. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.msdvetmanual.com/emergency-medicine-and-critical-care/fluid-therapy/maintenance-fluid-plan http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/fluid-therapy-calculating-rate-and-choosing-correct-solution www.aaha.org/public_documents/professional/guidelines/fluidtherapy_guidlines_toolkit.pdf www.idexx.eu/united-kingdom/diagnostic-topic/internal_medicine/fluid-therapy-calculator/
Nov. 22, 2017
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Rolli
German Shepherd Dog
3 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Describe the post procedure management of an animal which has undergone gastric lavage? I'm studying Veterinary Science and I'm struggling to find post procedure management.
Nov. 22, 2017
Rolli's Owner
0 Recommendations
This service is not for Veterinary Students who cannot pick up a book to read but instead for owners of animals with serious questions - therefore not a homework service. There isn’t much to it once you have removed the orogastric tube (make sure it is kinked before removal) and the rest is similar to any other surgery; however depending on the reason for gastric lavage (GDV or poisoning) there may be other follow procedures needed. Being cautious of gastric reflux and aspiration pneumonia are important as well; I’ve added two links below about the procedure but the post procedure management would be dependent on the primary reason for the procedure in the first place. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM http://navc.com/newsletter/clinical-edge-how-to-gastric-lavage/ http://vetgirlontherun.com/veterinary-continuing-education-how-perform-gastric-lavage-dog-vetgirl-video/
Nov. 22, 2017
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Goku
German Shepherd/pitsky
2 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
So I just have a concern and am looking for some advice. My 75lb German shepherd/ pitsky mix got into the trash while I was at work. My mother in law called me at work and told me that my dog had gotten into the trash and had thrown up. She then called me 15 minutes later telling me he was lethargic and shaking. I rushed Home and got him about 30 min after the call so he had been in this state for about 1.5 hours. When I arrived home I got Him to eat some kibble and then the threw up I assume His breakfast and some trash mixed together. I got Him to since eat some ice and a bit more kibble and he has not thrown up since ( it’s been about 30 min). He seems to be a lot more alert now. Still a bit sleepy and disoriented but a lot better. I am a single mom and am the sole provider for my household so if possible I’m trying to avoid an astronomical vet bill. What at home things can I do To aid in the recovery of my sick doggo?
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