Feeding tubes are a very useful tool in veterinary clinics and hospitals. In this article, we will discuss the main reasons for their use, how they are fitted, and the different types that can be used to help your pet. 

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First of all, what is a feeding tube?

A feeding tube is a hollow, flexible tube (usually made of plastic or rubber) that is fitted to allow your pet to receive food (and sometimes water too) without them having to pick it up, chew, and swallow it themselves. Most commonly, they’re used to allow veterinary professionals to provide nutritional food to your pet if they are not eating voluntarily by themselves. 

One end of your pet’s feeding tube will be placed in either:

  • The oesophagus (the first part of the digestive system that brings food from the mouth to the stomach, located in your pet’s neck),
  • The stomach, or
  • The first part of their small intestine (called the jejunum). 

The other end of the tube remains outside your pet’s body to allow specially prepared food to be syringed via the tube. Different types of liquidised food can be used (depending on the type of feeding tube your pet has); which we will be discussing in further detail later in the article.

It is important to note that these feeding tubes should only be placed (and removed) by specially trained veterinary professionals. Placement of feeding tubes should never be attempted at home. If you have any concerns about your pet’s feeding tube, it is strongly recommended to contact your veterinary clinic for advice.

What are the main reasons for my pet needing a feeding tube?

1) Diseases that affect your pet’s appetite such as:

  • Kidney disease – Cats and dogs with kidney disease can often feel quite nauseous and vomiting is a very common symptom of kidney disease
  • Pancreatitis – This is caused by inflammation of one of the digestive organs that break down fats in food and can make your pet feel very nauseous and poorly
  • Heart disease – This can make your pet feel very tired, and can also affect their ability to eat as they can cough a lot when they drink water or eat food
  • Cancer – Cancer can affect many parts of your pet’s body and reduce their appetite/ability to eat their food. If your pet is undergoing chemotherapy or is going home with you for palliative care, a feeding tube may help support them during this time.

2) Diseases that result in food needing to bypass part of your pet’s digestive system such as: 

  • Ulcers (sores) in the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and/or stomach
  • Stenosis (narrowing) of the oesophagus (which means food cannot pass through to the stomach)
  • Excessive widening of the oesophagus (which means food gets stuck in the oesophagus, this is called megaoesophagus)

3) Diseases that result in part(s) of the mouth/throat/neck/stomach needing to be removed or operated on such as:

  • Mouth/throat/oesophageal/stomach cancer
  • Jaw/neck fractures

4) To provide support during their recovery from major surgery

  • Certain pain relief medications (such as opioids like morphine) can cause vomiting and nausea. A feeding tube can ensure these pets receive enough food to allow their body to heal after surgery
  • Flat-faced dogs (brachycephalic breeds), such as English and French bulldogs, who have had surgery on the back of their throat to help them breathe more easily may need a feeding tube after surgery until the surgery area has healed enough to allow them to eat normally

What kind of food can my pet have when they have a feeding tube placed?

The type of food that your pet can have will depend on what kind of feeding tube they have placed. This is because different types of digestion (food breakdown and absorption) happen at different stages of the digestive system. Therefore, if your pet has a feeding tube placed in their small intestine (such as the jejunostomy tube), they will need specially prepared food; because any food they take in will have skipped the mouth and stomach stages of digestion. Your veterinary team will be able to advise on what food is best for your individual pet to have through their feeding tube.

The right food for your pet and their feeding tube will depend on several factors, including:

  • Their calorific needs (how much food they need each day)
  • The health condition/disease they may have
  • How this health condition/disease may affect their body’s ability to use the food they are getting via the feeding tube
  • Whether your pet is going to be fed in the veterinary hospital or by you at home via their feeding tube 

What are the different types of feeding tubes and why are they used?

There are five main types of feeding tubes: 

Some types of feeding tubes are placed through your pet’s nostril and include: 

1) The Nasoesophageal feeding tube (NE tube): 

This is a short, narrow tube that is placed via your pet’s nostril and passed into their oesophagus (the first part of their digestive system). They are generally well tolerated by both cats and dogs. They can be placed without your pet undergoing a general anaesthetic. Although they usually will get some sedation medication to help make the procedure more comfortable. 

2) The Nasogastric feeding tube (NG tube):

This is the same as the Nasogastric tube; except the tube is a little longer and goes the whole way into your pet’s stomach. Both the NE tube and the NG allow your pet to eat normally around the tube if they wish. 

Why might my pet have a nasogastric tube rather than a nasoesophageal tube?

The most common reason why your pet may need an NE or NG tube is that they have a health condition that is making them feel too poorly to eat. 

However, your vet may recommend the longer nasogastric tube if they have concerns about your pet’s oesophagus; such as ulceration (sores) or narrowing (stenosis) of the oesophagus due to a health condition. The nasogastric tube means that food will go straight to the stomach, and not get stuck in a damaged/narrowed oesophagus. Depending on their health condition, this can often allow your pet’s oesophagus to heal enough that they can eat normally and without the feeding tube in the future.

After placing the tube, your vet will take an x-ray of your pet’s neck and chest. This is to confirm the tube is in the correct place and comfortable for your pet.

Depending on the reason for your pet having a feeding tube fitted, it may be possible for you to bring them home with the tube in place. If this is the case, your veterinary team will discuss how you can safely feed your pet via the feeding tube at home. Your pet can safely have either a NE or NG feeding tube in place for several weeks, though they are usually used for more short-term conditions. 

Other types of feeding tubes are surgically placed directly into one of the parts of your pet’s digestive system. These include:

1) Oesphagostomy feeding tube (O tube): 

A short surgery is performed to place this tube directly into your pet’s oesophagus. This surgery is done via a small incision (surgical cut) in your pet’s neck. These feeding tubes allow the mouth and throat area to be bypassed for feeding. They are most commonly used if your pet has a head injury such as a jaw fracture, and they are unable to eat any food by themselves. Your pet will need to have a very short general anaesthetic for this type of feeding tube to be placed (although they are often tolerated even better than nasal tubes, and are wider so more food, or thicker food, can be injected through them). Depending on your pet’s health condition, your pet may have this type of feeding tube for several weeks to allow them to receive enough food while they are healing from injury. 

2) Gastrostomy feeding tube (G tube):

This tube is similar to the oesophagotomy tube, except it goes directly into the stomach. Your pet will need a procedure under general anaesthetic to fit this feeding tube. This stomach feeding tube allows food to be directly delivered into your pet’s stomach. This means that the entire first portion of their digestive system (mouth, throat, oesophagus) can be completely bypassed. 

These tubes can be used long-term to deliver food directly to your pet’s stomach. They are most commonly used when a pet may have a permanent issue with safely swallowing food. They are often also used if there is a permanent issue with their oesophagus meaning food cannot pass through to their stomach the normal way.

3) Jejunostomy feeding Tube (J tube):

These are not as common as the other types of feeding tubes. This tube is surgically placed directly into the first part of the small intestine (jejunum), just after your pet’s stomach. These are sometimes used if your pet has incessant vomiting, as it allows food to bypass the stomach entirely. They are usually only used if your pet is hospitalised. Your vet will discuss if they feel this type of feeding tube is the best choice for your pet.

In the case of all the different types of tubes, your veterinary team will closely monitor your pet and their feeding tube. Depending on your pet’s recovery they will advise when it is time to remove the tube. In the case of permanently placed feeding tubes, your vet will recommend regular check-ups to ensure that the tube is still correctly in place, functional, and comfortable for your pet.

Feeding tubes are an extremely useful tool that your veterinary team can use to help support your pet during their hospital stay

Depending on your pet’s health condition, having a feeding tube placed may also mean that you can bring your pet home with you during their treatment/recovery. Your veterinary team will be key to discussing the best options for your individual pet and their health condition. They will also support you with how to feed your pet when their feeding tube is placed. Hopefully, the placement of a feeding tube will give your pet the best chance of recovery from their condition!

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