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OESOPHAGOSTOMY TUBE FEEDING

 

What is an oesophagostomy tube?

 

An oesophagostomy tube is a small rubber tube that enters the oesophagus through the skin of the neck.  It goes into the oesophagus so that food can be delivered to the stomach.  The oesophagus, or gullet, is the muscular tube which transports food from the mouth to the stomach.   The oesophagostomy tube does not go into the stomach because of complications that can arise.  It enters the oesophagus so that food can be delivered to the stomach bypassing the mouth and pharynx.

 

What food is used with an oesophagostomy 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 the dog's nutritional needs; it should not cause vomiting or diarrhoea.  To feed your dog, follow these steps:

 

    1.    Place 1 can of Canine p/d‰ + 10 oz (300 ml) 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 cc per second, and to elevate your dog's front feet so the food goes easily into the stomach

 

    4.    When the food has been injected, inject 10 cc 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 it is not too hot.

 

 

 

 

When is the tube removed?

 

This decision is based on the condition being treated.  You will be instructed when to return, but removal of the tube is simple and does not require anaesthesia.  However, you should not attempt to remove it yourself.

 

Note:  Some measuring devices are measured in millilitres (ml) and others in cubic centimetres (cc).  For our purposes, 1 ml equals 1 cc.