ESOPHAGOSTOMY TUBE FEEDING
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.
The esophagostomy tube is used in cats with diseases that cause long-term anorexia or in
jaw fractures or other mouth injuries that prevent eating.
How do I feed my cat through the tube?
A special food, listed below, is syringed through the tube two to four times per day. This food is
formulated to meet your cat's nutritional needs; it should not cause vomiting or diarrhea. To
feed your cat, follow these steps:
1. Feed one of the following:
____ Place 3 cans of CNM-CV + 8 oz of water + 2 oz of Wesson Oil + 8 Tumil-K tablets in a
blender and run at the liquefy (fastest) speed until the food is uniformly mixed. After mixing,
pour the food through a kitchen strainer.
____ Place 1 can of Feline p/d + 10 oz of water + 2 oz of Wesson Oil + 8 Tumil-K tablets in a
blender and run it at the fastest speed until the food is uniformly mixed. After mixing, pour the
food through a kitchen strainer.
2. Remove the cap from the feeding tube.
3. Using the syringes provided, inject ________ cc of the food into your cat's feeding tube
________ times per day FOR A TOTAL OF ________ cc PER 24 HOURS. It is helpful to
inject the food slowly, about 1 cc per second, and to elevate your cat's front feet so the food
goes easily into the stomach.
4. When the food has been injected, inject 5 cc of tap water through the tube so food does not
remain in it. Replace the cap on 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.
When and how is the tube removed?
Patience and persistence are essential. Some cats require several weeks of tube feeding
before their appetite will return or healing occurs. 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
on your own.
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.
The esophagostomy tube is used in cats with diseases that cause long-term anorexia or in
jaw fractures or other mouth injuries that prevent eating.
How do I feed my cat through the tube?
A special food, listed below, is syringed through the tube two to four times per day. This food is
formulated to meet your cat's nutritional needs; it should not cause vomiting or diarrhea. To
feed your cat, follow these steps:
1. Feed one of the following:
____ Place 3 cans of CNM-CV + 8 oz of water + 2 oz of Wesson Oil + 8 Tumil-K tablets in a
blender and run at the liquefy (fastest) speed until the food is uniformly mixed. After mixing,
pour the food through a kitchen strainer.
____ Place 1 can of Feline p/d + 10 oz of water + 2 oz of Wesson Oil + 8 Tumil-K tablets in a
blender and run it at the fastest speed until the food is uniformly mixed. After mixing, pour the
food through a kitchen strainer.
2. Remove the cap from the feeding tube.
3. Using the syringes provided, inject ________ cc of the food into your cat's feeding tube
________ times per day FOR A TOTAL OF ________ cc PER 24 HOURS. It is helpful to
inject the food slowly, about 1 cc per second, and to elevate your cat's front feet so the food
goes easily into the stomach.
4. When the food has been injected, inject 5 cc of tap water through the tube so food does not
remain in it. Replace the cap on 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.
When and how is the tube removed?
Patience and persistence are essential. Some cats require several weeks of tube feeding
before their appetite will return or healing occurs. 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
on your own.
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Animal Hospital of Fate 1001 North W.E.Crawford (Highway 66 in Fate) Rockwall, Texas 75087 972-722-0066 |
1001 North W.E.Crawford (Highway 66 in Fate) Rockwall, Texas 75087 972-722-0066 |
| Darren L. Goucher, DVM Dusty B. Goucher, DVM The Staff of the Animal Hospital of Fate |