Can kitty eat dry food with esophageal tube?

pinguito

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Hi all.  I have a kitty who just had an esophageal tube placed because he would not eat.  It's a long story, but he had exploratory surgery of the stomach because they believed he had a foreign object lodged there.  Turns out it was a hairball.  Post surgery the kitty would not eat, but they sent him home thinking he might eat at home where he was more comfortable.  He did start eating somewhat, but not enough.  Vets put him on antibiotics and appetite stimulants and had me force feed him, but after 4 says of that he would not let me anymore.  Hence the e-tube.  He has not bounced back and is weak, but seems a little more alert each day.  He is not comfortable with the bandaging, and I feel it's too tight, but the vet said to leave it alone.  Today he seemed a little interested in an old morsel of dry food on his kitty perch.  I have offered him canned food and he refuses.  Is he aloud to eat dry food if he has an e-tube in place, or does it need to be canned.  I am devastated about my beautiful and sweet companion and don't know how much longer I can stand to see him unhappy.  Any words of wisdom would be so appreciated.
 

kittens mom

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Hi all.  I have a kitty who just had an esophageal tube placed because he would not eat.  It's a long story, but he had exploratory surgery of the stomach because they believed he had a foreign object lodged there.  Turns out it was a hairball.  Post surgery the kitty would not eat, but they sent him home thinking he might eat at home where he was more comfortable.  He did start eating somewhat, but not enough.  Vets put him on antibiotics and appetite stimulants and had me force feed him, but after 4 says of that he would not let me anymore.  Hence the e-tube.  He has not bounced back and is weak, but seems a little more alert each day.  He is not comfortable with the bandaging, and I feel it's too tight, but the vet said to leave it alone.  Today he seemed a little interested in an old morsel of dry food on his kitty perch.  I have offered him canned food and he refuses.  Is he aloud to eat dry food if he has an e-tube in place, or does it need to be canned.  I am devastated about my beautiful and sweet companion and don't know how much longer I can stand to see him unhappy.  Any words of wisdom would be so appreciated.
Kitten ate dry with her tube in. I would call the vet and ask them. Keep feeding him via the tube. It can be a long process but the e tube is CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST THINGS EVER TO HELP CATS SURVIVE DURING PERIODS WHEN THEY CANNOT OR WILL NOT EAT ON THEIR OWN.  They make lovely e collars for cats that make bandaging unnecessary and much easier on everyone.   http://kittykollar.com/
 

denice

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My kitty had an e-tube for fatty liver.  I left a little dry out so if he decided he wanted to eat it would be available.  He had no issues with eating while the e-tube was in.
 

white shadow

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Hi pinguito and welcome to the forum !

There's a specialized online community for people who are dealing with your exact issues.....if I were in your shoes, I'd be speaking to those people.

You'll find them right here: Feline Assisted Feeding    Just click the purple  +Join Group   button.

I'd advise you to set up a new dedicated email account for the group (they use email as their "operating platform) - for me, that really helps me manage the info flow.

If you post that story to the group....I think you'll get a lot of input - because, I think there are several serious issues/questions to be addressed. The time lines in there are concerning to me.

I can also tell you that your last sentence there - how much longer I can stand - that really resonates with me.....been there. Just do hang in for now.....I'm sure those folks will help you both get through this.
 

LTS3

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You really should be asking your vet this question. Liquid type foods are best for feeding via a tube. Dry food may clog the tube, even if you crush it up into powder. You can also ask the vet about an appetite stimulant and FortiFlora.

There may be more info here about feeding tubes: http://catinfo.org/?link=feedingtubes
 
You'll find them right here: Feline Assisted Feeding    Just click the purple  +Join Group   button.

I'd advise you to set up a new dedicated email account for the group (they use email as their "operating platform) - for me, that really helps me manage the info flow.
You can also chose the "digest email" option instead of individual emails. That will drastically cut down on the amount of emails received from the group. A digest email contains up to 25 emails (posts). You may get a few digest emails daily depending on how active the group is. There is also the "no email" option. You just log into the Yahoo Group to read all the posts. But some groups may not have all these options available to members.

Setting up your email to filter all emails from the Yahoo Group to a dedicated folder will also help.
 

denice

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I don't think she is talking about through the tube but kitty being able to eat with the e-tube in.  My kitty had no issues with eating while it was in.  If it is placed right there should be no issues.
 
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pinguito

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O my goodness...I just found my post!!  Thank you so much for all your responses!!  I will definitely follow up with the suggested groups.  It's good to know kitties didn't seem to have issues with the dry kibble, although I will check with my vet first.  I think my cat has an issue with swallowing to begin with....he puts food in his mouth but after trying to chew or swallow for a few seconds, he just spits it out.  After a few tries he just stops altogether.  He was doing this with the dry food before he got the e-tube.  They have checked his teeth thoroughly, his throat, and his esophagus and there seems to be nothing abnormal.  I was hoping that he would start eating soon because I may travel some and my hubby does not want to do tube feedings!!!  Hopefully he will improve soon.  Thank you all again!
 
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pinguito

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I have been eyeing the kitty dollar....probably a good ideas since his bandage is getting a little raggedy and have to take him to the vet to change it.
 
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