Contrast radiography of the gastrointestinal tract in sea turtles.

Intestinal obstruction by radiolucent foreign bodies is common in sea turtles. The absence of clinical signs and the extended fasting periods in these animals means that intestinal obstructions may not be diagnosed early. Digestive tract radiographic contrast procedures were performed to evaluate the gastrointestinal transit time and intestinal obstructions in loggerhead sea turtles. Barium sulfate and nonionic iodinate contrast medium were used for radiographic contrast procedures. Contrast medium was administered via a gastric tube or into the colon. These procedures are often necessary and are useful to document intestinal obstruction and foreign objects. The diagnostic procedures were not easily performed in some turtles, but often they were adequate for the diagnosis.