The effect Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica l.) on ultrasonographic echogenicity of gastrointestinal tract in cats

Abstract

Objective: It was aimed to investigate whether chia seeds provide an advantage during ultrasonographic imaging in cats when added to food by means of its high water-holding capacity. 
 Materials and Methods: Ten healthy cats were ultrasonographically examined following 12- hour fasting period and after feeding with 3 different food types at 1-week intervals. Thus, 4 study group were formed as follows; FST; fasting 12- hour period, WF; feeding with wet cat food following 12- hour fasting period DWF; feeding with ½ of same wet food diluted with the same volume drinking water, CWF; feeding with ½ of same wet food mixed with 36 ml swollen chia seeds obtained by holding 2 hours 3ml chia seeds in 33 ml drinking water. Cats were evaluated ultrasonographically immediately after feeding, and at the 30th minutes and 60th minutes. 
 Results: Especially in terms of thickness, gastric wall evaluation was easier after food intake. In the CWF, the stomach was fully imaged on the frame at all times. The gastrointestinal tract content moved faster when cats were fed DWF or CWF; In the examination immediately after feeding the contents were in duodenum and seen in the jejunum and ileum in the 30- and 60-minutes’ examinations. CWF and DWF revealed more heterogeneous images then WF and also CWF provided better visualization for the intestinal canal wall layer. 
 Conclusion: Ultrasonographic examination after feeding with chia seed added formula can be used as a complementary method following the fasting examination.