Feeding tube questions

ty3535 · Oct 1, 2015

Enzo has been sick with a URI for about a week. We began syringe feeding him Saturday. He's getting a mix of baby food and a/d but he spits it out on occasion and we are unable to determine how much he is actually getting. He has lost weight. I am interested in the two types of feeding tubes and the pros and cons for each. I'd also like to know if anyone has any idea on the cost. I'm located in Pennsylvania. Thanks for any information and help!

denice · Oct 1, 2015

My kitty had a feeding tube that went through the side of his neck into his esophagus when he had fatty liver. I don't know how much just the feeding tube was. He was hospitalized for about a week and there were a lot of diagnostics done as well. Patches did well with it, much easier than the syringe feeding. It is time consuming because you have to take it really slow but he did very well with it.

crimmie · Oct 1, 2015

Crimmie had an NG tube placed for about a day, and then an E tube for 10 days. I wish I would have pushed for the E tube to begin with. The NG tube was useless for me. She was miserable with it in. She couldn't stop gagging, tried to, and succeed, to rip it out TWICE! The E tube saved her life. And sub Q fluids at home! I paid about $230 plus blood work and a blood smear total was $415 and worth every penny

ty3535 · Oct 1, 2015

crimmie said:
Crimmie had an NG tube placed for about a day, and then an E tube for 10 days. I wish I would have pushed for the E tube to begin with. The NG tube was useless for me. She was miserable with it in. She couldn't stop gagging, tried to, and succeed, to rip it out TWICE! The E tube saved her life. And sub Q fluids at home! I paid about $230 plus blood work and a blood smear total was $415 and worth every penny

Oh that's much cheaper than I was anticipating! The e tube is the one through the neck? I don't think I'm interested in the one that goes through the nose. Was anesthesia required?

denice · Oct 1, 2015

Yes anesthetic is required. It is a very short procedure, I was told 15 minute procedure which included either an x-ray or ultrasound to check placement. That was the first good news I got when my kitty had fatty liver. The vet told me he came right out of the anesthetic. She said kitties with compromised livers are often slow coming out from anesthetic.

crimmie · Oct 1, 2015

Ty3535 said:
Oh that's much cheaper than I was anticipating! The e tube is the one through the neck? I don't think I'm interested in the one that goes through the nose. Was anesthesia required?

Keep in mind that the cost can vary greatly...even in the same area. I'm in MN. I actually had to go to a different vet, because my normal vet doesn't do e-tubes. I ended up finding the vet I should have had all along :heart4:
Yes, anesthesia is required for an e-tube. They place a small incision in the neck, through to the esophagus (hence, "E"-tube). Then they pull a small catheter through the incision, leaving the tip of the catheter in the esophagus and the "female" end of the catheter on the outside of the neck. If an e-tube is something your vet thinks is necessary, I would get it placed ASAP. I wish you the very best :hugs:

ty3535 · Oct 1, 2015

crimmie said:
Keep in mind that the cost can vary greatly...even in the same area. I'm in MN. I actually had to go to a different vet, because my normal vet doesn't do e-tubes. I ended up finding the vet I should have had all along :heart4:
Yes, anesthesia is required for an e-tube. They place a small incision in the neck, through to the esophagus (hence, "E"-tube). Then they pull a small catheter through the incision, leaving the tip of the catheter in the esophagus and the "female" end of the catheter on the outside of the neck. If an e-tube is something your vet thinks is necessary, I would get it placed ASAP. I wish you the very best

Thanks so much for the well wishes! We're off to the vet tomorrow to see what she recommends.

ty3535 · Oct 2, 2015

Ty3535 said:
Thanks so much for the well wishes! We're off to the vet tomorrow to see what she recommends.

Just wanted to update - Enzo successfully had the e tube placed today. Very excited to see his weight increase and hopefully see his spirits rise. He also had X-rays of both his lungs and sinuses and the nurse said everything looks normal but she's going to have the dr take a peek and make sure.

crimmie · Oct 11, 2015

Ty3535 said:
Just wanted to update - Enzo successfully had the e tube placed today. Very excited to see his weight increase and hopefully see his spirits rise. He also had X-rays of both his lungs and sinuses and the nurse said everything looks normal but she's going to have the dr take a peek and make sure.

Sorry I haven't checked in sooner...But this is great news!!! How is he doing?

ty3535 · Oct 11, 2015

crimmie said:
Sorry I haven't checked in sooner...But this is great news!!! How is he doing?

He's doing much better! He's eating on his own. We're thinking about taking the tube out Thursday or Friday. Thanks so much for checking in!

crimmie · Oct 12, 2015

Ty3535 said:
He's doing much better! He's eating on his own. We're thinking about taking the tube out Thursday or Friday. Thanks so much for checking in!

YAY!!!

Feeding tube questions

ty3535

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denice

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crimmie

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ty3535

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denice

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crimmie

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ty3535

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ty3535

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crimmie

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ty3535

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crimmie

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