Esophagostomy Tube Feeding ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

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Esophagostomy Tube Feeding

An esophagostomy tube is a small rubber tube that enters a surgical incision on the side of the neck. Placement of the tube through this incision allows food to enter the esophagus and then flow down into the stomach. The tube is not placed directly into the stomach.

The esophagostomy tube is used in cats with diseases that cause long-term anorexia or when jaw fractures or other mouth injuries are present that prevent eating.

How do I feed my cat through the tube?

A special food specified by your veterinarian is syringed through the tube two to four times per day. This food is formulated to meet the cat's nutritional needs; it should not cause vomiting or diarrhea. To feed your cat with the food provided by your veterinarian, follow these steps:

Feed one of the following:

__ Place 3 cans of CNM-CV + 8 oz of water + 2 oz of Wesson Oil + 8 Tumil-K tablets in a blender and run at the liquefy (fastest) speed until the food is uniformly mixed. After mixing, pour the food through a kitchen strainer.

__ Place 1 can of Feline p/d + 10 oz of water + 2 oz of Wesson Oil + 8 Tumil-K tablets in a blender and run it at the liquefy (fastest) speed until the food is uniformly mixed. After mixing, pour the food through a kitchen strainer.
Remove the cap from the feeding tube.
Using the syringes provided, inject ____ cc of the food into your cat's feeding tube ____ times per day FOR A TOTAL OF ____ cc PER 24 HOURS. It is helpful to inject the food slowly, about 1 cc per second, and to elevate your cat's front feet so the food goes easily into the stomach.
When the food has been injected, inject 5 cc of tap water through the tube so food does not remain in it; replace the cap in the tube.
Any remaining food should be stored in the refrigerator. Before the next feeding, it should be warmed to body temperature under hot tap water or in a microwave oven. If you heat it in a microwave oven, be sure to thoroughly mix the contents prior to feeding because of uneven heating. Also, always check the temperature prior to feeding to be sure that the food is not too hot.

When and how is the tube removed?

Patience and persistence are essential. Some cats require several weeks of tube feeding before their appetite will return or healing occurs. At least twice weekly, offer your cat a small amount of a favorite food so that you will know when its appetite is improving. The esophagostomy tube will not hinder chewing or swallowing. After your cat has been eating well for 3-4 days, he should be returned to the hospital for tube removal. Removal of the tube is simple and does not require anesthesia; however, you should not attempt to remove the tube on your own.

Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/esophagostomy.html

Resource References:
Much, much appreciation to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM of Clifton, VA USA for his extensive research in locating the material found on this page. Thank you, dear Doctor!