Nasogastric Tube Instructions

 
 
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Nasogastric Tube Instructions

Your pet has had a soft rubber  naso gastric tube  placed in the nostril to allow you to deliver food and/or drugs to your pet without having to rely on your pets taking things in through the mouth during the recovery period.  These tubes are easy to use and very well tolerated by most cats.  They will permit you to give the full daily requirement of nutrition with a minimum of stress to your pet. 

 

There are a few simple rules to follow when using this tube:

  •  Prior to every feeding, flush 5 mls of warm water down the tube.  This will check to see if the tube is clogged and if has flipped back towards the mouth.  If your pet does not cough or fight the flushing, then the tube is most likely in the right place and can be used for feeding.

  •  Fill the syringe to the appropriate amount and begin feeding by connecting the syringe to the end of the esophagostomy tube.  Slowly depress the plunger so that 5-10 mls of the mixture are forced into the tube.  Watch your pet for any signs of regurgitation or coughing.  IF ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS OCCUR, STOP FEEDING AND TRY TO SUCK BACK ON THE SYRINGE TO PULL THE FOOD BACK OUT OF THE ESOPHAGUS.   DO NOT USE THE TUBE AGAIN UNTIL YOU HAVE BROUGHT THE PET IN TO HAVE US INSPECT IT.

  •  If the first 10 mls goes down smoothly, slowly force the rest of the food down the tube over the course of 3-5 minutes, a little bit at a time. 

  •  When you have finished the amount of food prescribed by the doctor, flush the syringe with another 5 mls of warm water.  This will prevent it from clogging up.

  •  Pinch the end of the catheter with the locking device that is around it or close the cap on the tube

  • If there are medications to be given through the tube, you can place them in after the initial water flush, prior to starting the food.

  •  When it is time to remove the tube, we will do it here. 

  • Occasionally, a cat may cough up the tube and you will see it coming out of the mouth.  If this occurs, bring the pet in at once. If we are closed, go to the emergency clinic on Euclid and 7th Ave. in Upland.

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