Enteral Feeding

Preferred techniques for enteral feeding include naso-oesophageal, oesophagostomy and gastrostomy tubes. The first two of these techniques are relatively simple and easy to use in a veterinary practice situation. Care of the patient at home may be possible in appropriate cases.

1. Naso-oesophageal tubes are non-invasive and simple to place (see figure 1).  They are suitable for short-term feeding in animals for up to approximately one week. Tubes should be pre-measured to reach the 9th rib space and should terminate cranial to the lower oesophageal sphincter when placed. Placement may be possible whilst the animal is conscious, and should be performed via the ventromedial nasal meatus after instillation of local anaesthetic. The tube is sutured or glued to the external nares, (see Vetloc, code: 1139094) the dorsal nose and top of the head.

2. Oesophagostomy tubes are of wider bore and can be used for months, assuming appropriate selection of tube material and subject to monitoring for infection at the entry site. They are relatively easy to place under general anaesthesia using a technique involving cut down onto curved forceps (see figure 2), placed via the oral route into the oesophagus (see figure 3). The tube is drawn into the pharynx and the tip then redirected down the oesophagus. It is then anchored with an appropriate suture (see figure 4) pattern and the site is bandaged, leaving the capped end accessible for feeding. It is vital to care for and monitor the entry site after placement.

Enteral feeding products from Vygon Vet:
Enteral feeding tubes

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