How to perform a gastric lavage in a dog

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March 2016

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education video, we demonstrate how to perform gastric lavage in the poisoned veterinary patient. In this severely affected marijuana poisoned canine patient, light sedation (with intravenous butorphanol and diazpem) was necessary to place an appropriately-sized orogastric tube. Using multiple gavage cycles (5-15 cycles, using warm water), we evacuated the stomach contents and followed up with an appropriate dose of activated charcoal (1-2 g/kg) which was administered through the tube. When in doubt, the veterinarian must feel comfortable performing this life-saving procedure! To follow a step-by-step process on gastric lavage, follow these instructions here.

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  1. In which situations would you want the patient intubated for this procedure vs doing it under light sedation as shown?

  2. I have also seen this done in GDV cases 🙁 I feel so bad for these patients but if it means saving their life, I will do it!

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