Diagnostic testing enables our team to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms, diagnosing their condition(s). We want our pet parents to be involved in the decision-making process, and we thoroughly discuss the diagnostic testing we recommend for your pet and their diagnostic test results. Personalizing your pet’s diagnostic plan ensures we avoid unnecessary tests and procedures while leading us to a more personalized and effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic Overview

Barium Contrast Series

A barium contrast series is an imaging study used to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract in dogs and cats. The test involves administering a contrast agent called barium, which appears on a radiograph as a bright white substance. As the barium flows through the gastrointestinal tract, a series of radiographs are taken to evaluate the movement of the material. This test can help diagnose conditions that routine radiographs have failed to identify.

The two most common indications for a barium contrast series are foreign object ingestion and esophageal disorders. Certain foreign objects, such as plastic or cloth, may not appear on a standard radiograph, but a barium series can help identify the obstruction. In addition, a barium series can provide a noninvasive way to evaluate the esophagus for conditions such as megaesophagus, esophageal strictures, and cancerous lesions.

While a barium series is a relatively safe and noninvasive test, some limitations exist. The timing of the radiographs and the type of objects ingested can affect the accuracy of the results. Additionally, the test can be time-consuming and expensive, particularly if additional views are needed over a 24-hour period.