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GASTROSTOMY TUBE FEEDING

What is a gastrostomy tube?

A gastrostomy tube is a small rubber tube that enters the stomach through the skin on the dog's side.  It permits you to deliver food directly into the stomach.

What food is used with a gastrostomy tube, and how is feeding accomplished?

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

1.  Place 1 can of the special food supplied plus 10 oz of water in a blender and run it at the liquefy (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 syringe provided, inject ________ ml of the food into your dog's feeding tube ________ times per day FOR A TOTAL OF ________ ml PER 24 HOURS.  It is helpful to inject the food slowly, about 1 ml per second, to prevent vomiting.

4.  When the food has been injected, inject 5 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 a hot tap  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.  Always check the temperature prior to feeding to be sure that it is not too hot.

When is the tube removed?

Your veterinary surgeon will decide when the tube should be removed. If it appears to have become dislodged in any way, please contact us without delay.     You should not attempt to remove it yourself.