Surgery for a Permanent Feeding Tube in Cats

One way to perform a feeding tube placement in a cat is called nasoesophageal intubation. It is a simple and effective way to help a cat that needs a feeding tube. There are few risks for complications in this surgery, with good benefits.

  1. Nasoesophageal Intubation

    • An easy and efficient way to provide nutrition for an ill cat is by surgically implanting a nasoesophageal tube. A tube is good for cats that cannot have other types of surgery such as gastric or esophageal surgery.

    Placement

    • The size of the tube will depend on the cat̵7;s size. The tube should be lubricated with a numbing gel prior to insertion, according to Howard Seim, a veterinarian featured on Walthamusa.com. The tube goes through the nasal cavity into the stomach.

    Confirmation

    • The doctor should confirm that the tube is in the proper place. He may do this by injecting a saline solution into the tube or he may take an X-ray of the chest.

    Secure the Tube

    • Finally, the tube should be sutured to the head so it cannot be removed. An Elizabethan collar should be placed on the cat's neck to avoid accidental removal.

    Post Surgery

    • The cat should be able drink and swallow around the tube if necessary. Tubes are commonly well tolerated by the cat and, if they must be, can be easily removed.