Good morning! LJ goes in tomorrow at 8:30 for her X-rays, ultrasound, barium swallow and bloodwork. The receptionist told me she can’t eat after midnight, but that just doesn’t seem right-seems like it should be longer. Can you tell me how long is appropriate to fast for these procedures? I’d like to feed her as late as possible so she isn’t miserably hungry in the morning. Also, the app looks great! You can now see the question you are typing. You guys are awesome!!!
Good morning!
I'm delighted to hear that you're pleased with the app, and thank you for your kind words!
For most diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and bloodwork, fasting is generally recommended to ensure the most accurate results and to avoid any complications. Typically, the guideline is to withhold food for about 8-12 hours before the procedure. Given that your appointment is at 8:30 AM, it would be best to feed LJ her last meal by midnight. This fasting period helps ensure that the stomach is empty, reducing the risk of aspiration and improving the clarity of imaging studies.
To keep LJ comfortable during the fasting period, you can try feeding her a late-night meal around 10 PM. This should help her feel less hungry in the morning.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you!
Having similar issues? Ask a Dr.Tail Vet what concerns you and gain peace of mind.
Does that apply for a barium swallow as well?
Yes, the fasting guidelines are indeed applicable to a barium swallow as well.
For a barium swallow, this is particularly crucial because any food present can interfere with the barium's ability to properly coat the gastrointestinal tract, which is essential for accurate imaging.
I hope LJ gets the correct test results and a treatment plan is put in place accordingly.