PERCUTANEOUS PLACEMENT OF AN ESOPHAGOSTOM Y TUBE IN CATS - FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH A NEW TECHNIQUE

A new technique for percutaneous placement of tube esophagostomy for e nteral feeding in cats is described. The technique is characterized by its symplicity and rapid placement of the feeding tube. Its use is de monstrated in 8 cats in which nutritional support with enteral feeding was indicated. Placement of the tube was performed without complicati ons. The feeding tube was tolerated well. Complications after replacem ent were restricted to occasional vomiting after feeding (n = 2) and m inor inflammation of the esophagostomy incission. Tubes could be remov ed after 7 to 16 (median 14) days. Two cats died as a result of the pr imary disease. This technique is a useful aid in the application of en teral feeding because of its simplicity and minimal complications.