Small Animal Internal Medicine Resident University of Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Abstract:
Background: Nasoesophageal (NE) and nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes are an option for enteral nutrition in patients unwilling/unable to eat on their own, yet many veterinarians remain hesitant about their outpatient use. Increased understanding of their tolerability and complications could improve comfort with outpatient NE/NG tube use amongst veterinarians. Hypothesis/
Objectives: To describe the use and complications of at-home NE/NG feeding tubes in dogs and cats. We hypothesized these tubes offer a well-tolerated method for at-home nutritional support. Animals: 42 patients (19 dogs, 23 cats) with NE or NG feeding tubes placed for at-home nutritional support.
Methods: Medical records for dogs and cats with NE or NG tubes placed for outpatient use in 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Indication for tube placement, feeding plan details, maximum RER achieved, and complications were recorded.
Results: Most tubes placed were NG (n=40, 95%), and used in-hospital prior to discharge (n=36, 86%). The most common primary disease process was pancreatitis (n=12, 33%). The median tube placement duration was 6 days (range 1-10 days). Tube feedings achieved an average maximum RER of 85% (sd+/-34%). The most common owner-reported complications were diarrhea (n=10, 28%) and vomiting (n=9, 25%). Aspiration pneumonia was documented in one dog with vomiting. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Outpatient NE/NG tubes were generally well-tolerated. Diarrhea and vomiting were reported complications, though whether these resulted from tube feedings or the primary disease is unknown. NE and NG tubes are a viable option for at-home enteral nutritional support in select patients.
