Feeding Tubes for Pets

Many pet owners are resistant to the idea of placing a feeding tube in their beloved pet. The thought of their dog or cat being “hooked up” to tubes can be scary, and placing a feeding tube sounds extreme.

In reality, however, feeding tube placement in animals is a very simple and helpful procedure that can help pets be stronger and healthier when they need it the most. Tube placement may be temporary or permanent depending on why it is needed and is often part of improving the quality of life for sick pets.

How Is a Feeding Tube Placed in My Pet?

There are a few types of feeding tubes that may be used. Pets who are having a feeding tube placed may receive a local anesthetic, light sedation, or a short anesthetic while the tube is placed. The most common types of tubes used at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services are:

Nasogastric tube – This type of tube is commonly called a NE tube. It is a narrow tube that is placed through the nose into the stomach or esophagus. An NE tube is used for a short period of time to administer watery liquids.

Esophagostomy tube – Also called an E-tube, an esophagostomy tube is a slightly wider tube that is placed through the skin in the neck into the esophagus. This tube can be kept in place for up to a few weeks and can be used for slightly thicker fluids and some medications.

Pericutaneous gastrotomy tube – A PEG tube is placed through the skin on the side of the pet directly into the stomach. It can be kept in for extended periods and can accommodate gruel and crushed medications.

Why Might My Pet Need a Feeding Tube?

There are many reasons pets might require the placement of a feeding tube.  When a pet is sick, nutrition and fluid intake is vital to restoring health. Sometimes an animal is unable or unwilling to nourish him or herself, and a feeding tube is the best method to supplement nutrition. Some of the more common patients who require feeding tubes include:

• A patient who is unwilling to eat due to illness such hepatic lipidosis or a severe upper respiratory infection
• A patient whose upper digestive system is not functioning well such as a pet with megaesophagus
• After a trauma such as a broken jaw
• Post-surgically, such as after having many teeth extracted

What Will I Have To Do at Home?

Sometimes pets only require a feeding tube while hospitalized. Other times, feeding tubes will need to be managed at home. While it may sound intimidating, providing your pet’s nutrition through a feeding tube is easily done for most pet owners.

We will show you how to monitor the tube and how to administer fluids through it. You will be given specific instructions as to when, what, and how much liquid nutrition to administer. We will also monitor the feeding tube frequently and be sure that you understand what you need to do before your pet is discharged.

Feeding tubes are a great option for providing nutrition to pets who need it. Force feeding animals can be tedious and is nearly impossible to administer enough nutrients to sustain your pet. Feeding this way can also end up introducing food into the airway, resulting in pneumonia. Pets who have feeding tubes placed when indicated tend to recover more quickly and decrease the risk of other systemic infections and complications.

Should your pet ever require a feeding tube, rest assure that we are recommending one with his or her best interest in mind. We want the best possible outcomes for all of our patients and are dedicated to helping all of our owners feel comfortable providing care for their pets.