• Home
• Meet our Staff
• Facility
• Services and
  Health Programs
• Downloadable Forms
• Payment Options
• Contact Us
• Pet Care Links
• Boarding
• Patient Pics
• Action Photos
• Animals for Adoption
• Cat Care Reference
• Dog Care Reference
• Community Service
• Online Store
• Career Opportunities

Esophagostomy Tube Feeding

Definition

An esophagostomy tube is a small rubber tube that enters a surgical incision on the side of the neck. Placement of the tube through this incision allows food to enter the esophagus and then flow down into the stomach.. The tube is not placed directly into the stomach.

One of the most common uses of the feeding tube is in management of hepatic lipidosis ("fatty liver"). Because anorexia can be a significant problem in sick cats, the tube has application in many other situations, as well.

Feeding Procedure

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

1. Place 3 cans of Purina CNM-CV + 8 oz of water + 2 oz Wesson Oil + 8 Tumil-K tablets in a blender and run it at the liquefy (fastest) speed for several minutes until the food is uniformly mixed. After mixing, pour the food through a kitchen strainer. (Note: An alternative formula is: 1 can of Feline p/d + 10 oz of water + 2 oz of Wesson Oil + 8 Tumil-K tablets.)
2. Remove the cap from the feeding tube.
3. A special food mixture, listed below, is syringed through the tube two to four times per day. This food is formulated to meet the cat's nutritional needs; it should not cause vomiting or diarrhea. To feed your cat, follow these steps:

   ____ ml ____ times per day for ____ days (FOR A TOTAL OF ____ ml PER 24 HOURS)

   ____ ml ____ times per day for ____ days (FOR A TOTAL OF ____ ml PER 24 HOURS)

   ____ ml ____ times per day for ____ days (FOR A TOTAL OF ____ ml PER 24 HOURS)

   ____ ml ____ times per day (FOR A TOTAL OF ____ ml PER 24 HOURS)

4. When the food has been injected, inject 2-3 ml 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. Also, always check the temperature prior to feeding to be sure that the food is not too hot.

Using the Tube

Patience and persistence are essential. Some cats require several weeks of tube feeding before their appetite will return. At least twice weekly, offer your cat a small amount of a favorite food so that you will know when its appetite is improving. The esophagostomy tube will not hinder chewing or swallowing. After your cat has been eating well for 3-4 days, it should be returned to the hospital for tube removal. Removal of the tube is simple and does not require anesthesia; however, you should not attempt to remove the tube yourself.