Care and Use of Feeding Tubes in Dogs and Cats

Abstract

Feeding tubes are an accepted way of providing nutritional support for animals unable or unwilling to consume adequate calories on their own. This article provides information on the indications for the use of feeding tubes in small animals, the types of tubes available, and ways to initiate nutritional support once the tubes are in place. The pros and cons of the various tubes are discussed, as well as potential complications.

Assisted Enteral Feeding

“…24,30 There were no reports of this complication in previous studies of the use of NG tubes. 32,39,40 NG tubes are often used where decompression of the stomach is required, and NE tubes are used more routinely for feeding.…”

“…The larger diameter of these tubes compared with the NE or NG tubes allows the use of blended or liquid diets. 29,30 The amount of water that needs to be added to the diet will depend on the tube size and the initial composition of the diet; however, enough water should be added to achieve a consistency that allows passage through a syringe tip. 4 See Box 40.9 below for calculating feeding amounts.…”

“…29 Complications include tube displacement from vomiting or removal by the animal. 30 Marking the skin exit point of a tube with a permanent marker when the position is initially radiographed can help to detect subsequent movement of the tube. 42 If the patient is witnessed vomiting, check inside the mouth to visualize if the tube is still feeding should be stopped and tube position should be checked, ideally with a radiograph.…”

“…Using a syringe pump to ensure continuous flow may also help to decrease the risk of the tube becoming blocked. 30 If a tube has become blocked, a solution of 1 crushed tablet of a pancreatic enzyme product (9000 USP units lipase, 57,000 USP units protease, 64,000 USP units amylase), 1 crushed tablet (324 mg or ¼ teaspoon) of sodium bicarbonate and 5 mL of warm water can be injected into the tube with a little pressure and left in the tube for a minimum of 5 minutes and up to 2 hours before attempting further flushing. 34 Other methods that have been used for unblocking feeding tubes are shown in Box 40.5.…”

“…Percutaneous placement can be performed blindly or with the use of an endoscope. 27,30 PEG tube placement and blind placement of a G tube is described in Han 29 and Marks. 31 Percutaneous endoscopic placement is routinely performed in many clinics as endoscopes have become more available.…”