Esophagostomy Tube Feeding ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

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Esophagostomy Tube Feeding

What is an esophagostomy tube?

An esophagostomy tube is a small rubber tube that enters the esophagus (food tube) through the skin of the neck. It goes into the esophagus so that food can be delivered to the stomach. The esophagus is the muscular tube, which transports food from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagostomy tube does not go into the stomach because of complications that can arise.

What food is used with an esophagostomy tube, and how is feeding accomplished?

A special food mixture (listed below) is syringed through the tube three to five times per day. This food is formulated to meet the dog's nutritional needs; it should not cause vomiting or diarrhea. To feed your dog, follow these steps:

1) Place 1 can of Canine p/d^TM + 10 oz (300 cc) of water 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.

2) Remove the cap from the feeding tube.

3) Using the syringe provided, inject the prescribed cc of food as instructed by your veterinarian into your dog's feeding tube the required times per day FOR A TOTAL OF X AMOUNT cc PER 24 HOURS. It is helpful to inject the food slowly, about 1 cc per second, and to elevate your dog's front feet so the food goes easily into the stomach.

4) When the food has been injected, inject 10 cc of tap water through the tube so food does not remain in it; replace the cap in the tube.

5) 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. Always check the temperature prior to feeding to be sure that it is not too hot.

When is the tube removed?

This decision is based on the condition being treated. You will be instructed when to return, but removal of the tube is simple and does not require anesthesia. However, you should not attempt to remove it yourself.

Note: Some measuring devices are measured in milliliters (ml) and others in cubic centimeters (cc). For our purposes, 1 ml equals 1 cc.

Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/esop-tubefeeding.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!