Cat Nasal Feeding Tube

Feeding tubes save lives and are not used as often as they should be for anorexic patients.

Cat nasal feeding tube.

Tube feeding is important to maintain adequate nutrition and prevent liver problems in cats that are anorexic for at least 2 days. A nasal feeding tube is a device that is inserted through the cat s nose into the esophagus or stomach for the purpose of administering fluids and nutrients. A nasogastric tube is a feeding option that can work for cats who need to be force fed for several days. They are an appropriate choice if it looks like a cat will only require a few days of supplemental feeding.

How to easily and safely place esophagostomy tube in cats by dr julie ridgway bvms ms mrcvs dipl. This tube goes directly into their esophagus to facilitate feeding and giving medications until your cat feels well enough to start eating on their own. To place one the vet marks the tube with the distance from the cat s nostrils to the fifth rib. Types of feeding tubes.

Unfortunately when most people hear the term feeding tube they tend to panic feeling like this is the end of the road for their cat. This tube passed through the nostrils into the esophagus and is taped and sutured in place. Tube feeding may be needed because of a mechanical problem interfering with ingestion of food or because of a systemic illness that is causing the cat to be anorexic. Anaso esophageal or naso gastric tube refers to a flexible fine bore tube that is passed via the cat s nose down into the esophagus or the stomach.

Feeding tube dismissal. Your cat has just had a feeding tube placed in the side of their neck. The cat is then lightly sedated and a few drops of local anesthetic dripped up the cat s nose. The nasoesophageal location is preferred because the tube does not cause gastric irritation and vomiting is less likely.

Nasal feeding tubes have no restrictions on swimming other than making sure the tube is closed clamped and not hooked up to a feeding pump. However feeding tubes should not necessarily be viewed as a doom and gloom overly heroic measure. The sooner the tube is placed the lower the risks from use of anesthesia.