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American journal of veterinary research2006; 67(7); 1100-1104; doi: 10.2460/ajvr.67.7.1100

Effects of indwelling nasogastric intubation on gastric emptying of a liquid marker in horses.

Abstract: To determine the effects of indwelling nasogastric intubation on the gastric emptying rate of liquid in horses. Methods: 6 healthy horses. Methods: Horses were assigned to treatment and control groups in a prospective randomized crossover study with a washout period of at least 4 weeks between trials. Acetaminophen (20 mg/kg) diluted in 1 L of distilled water was administered via nasogastric tube at time points of 0, 12, 30, 48, and 72 hours to evaluate the liquid-phase gastric emptying rate. In control horses, nasogastric tubes were removed after administration of acetaminophen. In horses receiving treatment, the tube was left indwelling and maintained for 72 hours. A 10-mL sample of blood was collected from a jugular vein immediately before and 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 180 minutes after acetaminophen administration. Serum acetaminophen concentrations were measured by use of a colorimetric method. Results: Peak serum acetaminophen concentration was significantly higher in the control group (38.11 microg/mL) than in the treatment group (29.09 microg/mL), and the time required to reach peak serum acetaminophen concentration was significantly shorter in the control group (22.79 minutes) than in the treatment group (35.95 minutes). Conclusions: Results indicated that indwelling nasogastric intubation has a delaying effect on the gastric emptying rate of liquids. Veterinarians should consider the potential for delayed gastric emptying when placing and maintaining an indwelling nasogastric tube for an extended period of time after surgery. Repeated nasogastric intubation may be better than maintenance of an indwelling tube in horses with ileus.
Publication Date: 2006-07-05 PubMed ID: 16817727DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.67.7.1100Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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This research examines how nasogastric intubation affects the rate of emptying liquid from the stomach in horses, showing that maintaining a nasogastric tube for extended periods can slow down gastric emptying.

Research Methodology

In this research conducted to understand the impact of nasogastric intubation on the gastric emptying process in horses:

  • Six healthy horses were split into control and treatment groups. The scope of the study was prospective randomized crossover with a break of at least four weeks between trials.
  • Acetaminophen was administered via a nasogastric tube in 1L of distilled water, at different time points to evaluate the gastric emptying rate of liquid.
  • In the control group, nasogastric tubes were removed post acetaminophen administration, while in the treatment group, the tube was left in place for 72 hours.
  • A 10-mL blood sample was collected from a jugular vein at strategic time points after acetaminophen administration.
  • The concentration of acetaminophen in the serum was analyzed using colorimetric techniques.

Research Findings

Upon completion of the study, the researchers found that:

  • The peak serum acetaminophen concentration was notably higher in the control group than in the treatment group, suggesting that the removal of the tube bolstered absorption.
  • To reach peak serum acetaminophen concentration required a significantly shorter time in the control group than in the treatment group, indicating that extended use of a nasogastric tube can delay gastric emptying.

Conclusion and Implications

The research concluded that indwelling nasogastric intubation has a delaying effect on the gastric emptying rate of liquids in horses. Therefore:

  • Veterinarians should be aware of the potential for delayed gastric emptying while using and maintaining an indwelling nasogastric tube over a long period post-surgery.
  • Repeated nasogastric intubation rather than maintaining an indwelling tube may better assist horses with ileus, a distension and obstruction of the gut.

Cite This Article

APA
Cruz AM, Li R, Kenney DG, Monteith G. (2006). Effects of indwelling nasogastric intubation on gastric emptying of a liquid marker in horses. Am J Vet Res, 67(7), 1100-1104. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.67.7.1100

Publication

ISSN: 0002-9645
NlmUniqueID: 0375011
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 67
Issue: 7
Pages: 1100-1104

Researcher Affiliations

Cruz, Antonio M
  • Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada.
Li, Ronald
    Kenney, Dan G
      Monteith, Gabrielle

        MeSH Terms

        • Acetaminophen / blood
        • Acetaminophen / pharmacokinetics
        • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / blood
        • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / pharmacokinetics
        • Animals
        • Cross-Over Studies
        • Gastric Emptying / physiology
        • Gastrointestinal Contents
        • Horses / physiology
        • Intestinal Absorption
        • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / methods
        • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / veterinary
        • Male