Dog - Gastrostomy Tube Feeding

What is a gastrostomy tube?

A gastrostomy tube is a small flexible tube that enters the stomach through a small incision on the dog's side. It permits you to feed your dog directly into the stomach if normal eating is not possible.

What sort of liquid diet do I need to use?

This depends on the individual needs of the patient. We will discuss this with you but virtually any liquid diet, including home produced diets or those using commercial diets liquidised in a blender can be used. It is important to ensure that the diet is sufficiently runny so the tube does not block.

How do I accomplish the feeding and how often?

The liquid food is syringed through the tube three to five times a day depending on the individual circumstances. We will discuss this with you. If you have any queries or concerns please do not hestitate to contact us.

The basic steps are as follows:

1. If using canned food the correct consistency for syringing through the tube is usually attained by liquidising the food in a blender with an equal amount of warm water. Always pour the food through a kitchen strainer when liquidised.
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 ml per second, to prevent vomiting.
4. When the food has been injected, inject 5 ml of warm (body temperature) 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 a hot tap 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. Always check the temperature prior to feeding to be sure that it is not too hot.

When is the tube removed?

This depends on the condition being treated. We will discuss this with you and advise when to return. Removal of the tube is simple and does not require anaesthesia. However, please do not attempt to remove it yourself. Please telephone if you have any concerns.