Evaluation of a colonic lavage solution to prepare the colon of the dog for colonoscopy.

Ten dogs were given 3 different doses (60, 80, and 100 ml/kg of body weight) of a commercial colonic lavage solution in 2 equally divided doses, 2 to 4 hours apart. The degree of colonic cleanliness was evaluated subjectively, using a numbered scoring system (1 = clean to 4 = excessive fecal material). Systemic and metabolic effects were assessed by comparing body weight, PCV, total protein concentration, serum osmolality, and urine specific gravity before and 24 hours after administration of the high-dose solution. The lowest mean cleanliness score (1.6) was obtained with the 80 ml/kg dose (P less than 0.001). The solution had no effect on any measurement except urine specific gravity (P = 0.036). Oral administration of a colonic lavage solution in a divided total dose of 80 ml/kg is a safe and effective method of large-intestine preparation in the dog.