Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) pathology is common in elasmobranchs;¹ however, little is known about normal GI transit time and the effect of therapeutics on GI motility. The objective of this study was to determine normal GI transit times in cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) (n=8) and whitespotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) (n=4) utilizing barium sulfate. Additionally, a pilot study evaluated the effect of metoclopramide on GI transit time in bamboo sharks. Post-contrast radiographs were obtained at 2 minutes, 3, 6, 12, and 23 hours for rays; and 2 minutes, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 25, 30, 36, and every 12 hours thereafter for sharks. In cownose rays, complete gastric emptying was observed by 23 h and complete spiral colon opacification with barium by 12 h. The mean and standard deviation were established for time of initial spiral colon filling (3.4 h ± 1.1) and initial spiral colon emptying (23.0 h ± 3.9). In bamboo sharks, the mean and standard deviation were established for time of complete gastric emptying (39.25 h ± 11.1), initial spiral colon filling (4.5 h ± 1.7), complete spiral colon opacification with barium (12.5 h ± 4.7) and initial spiral colon emptying (22.25 h ± 10.7). Bamboo sharks were also administered metoclopramide (0.4 mg/kg PO SID for 10 days) and the barium series was repeated. Data was assessed using a paired t-test assuming non-equal variances (α=0.05). Results revealed no significant difference in GI transit time between the control or treatment group.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank William Hana, Megan Priede, Monique Park, Stephanie Shannon, Tori Davis and Noelle Bates of the Fish & Invertebrates team, as well as Dr. Barb Mangold of the Department of Animal Care at Mystic Aquarium for their assistance with this project.

* Presenting author
+ Student presenter

Literature Cited

1.  Garner MM. 2013. A retrospective study of disease in elasmobranchs. Veterinary Pathology. 50(3):377–389.