E-Tube Feeding Instructions
Posted: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 | Updated: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
Posted: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 | Updated: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
An E-Tube is an esophagostomy tube that is placed by a veterinarian in order to facilitate a patient's need to meet it's daily nutritional requirements. It's generally placed into the esophagus along the left side of the patient's neck. The end of the tube must stay closed when not in use. Any food being given through the tube should be blended well enough to pass through it with ease. The feedings should not be uncomfortable for the patient. Food should be given at room temperature and should be given slowly over 15 to 30 minutes at scheduled times throughout the day. The veterinarian should provide daily caloric needs along with a feeding regimen.
Prior to feeding, the tube must be checked to see if it's still in place. To do this, attach an empty syringe to the feeding port. Pull the plunger back and release it. The plunger should move back to it's starting position. This negative pressure signals that the tube is most likely still in the esophagus. If negative pressure cannot be achieved, the tube may be displaced and it's recommended not to proceed with any feedings until consulting a veterinarian. Once negative pressure is achieved, instill a small amount of room temperature water through the tube. Coughing, gagging, retching, or any discomfort experienced by the patient may signal that the tube is displaced and once again, the veterinarian should be consulted prior to any feedings. Once the feeding is completed, the tube should be flushed again with a small amount of water to keep the tube free of food and to keep it patent. If the tube clogs, some veterinarians may suggest instilling a small amount of regular Coca-Cola into the tube and letting it sit for about 10 minutes. This may help breakdown or remove the clog. Flush a small amount of room temperature water through the tube afterward to see if the clog has been resolved.
The insertion site should be examined daily for any swelling, redness, or discharge. A small amount of swelling, redness, or discharge may be normal and the insertion site can be blotted with a warm, clean, and moistened towel as needed. A veterinarian should be consulted if the discharge is malodorous, yellow, green or excessive. Food should also never be leaking out of the insertion site.
In general, the tube should be supported with a loose fitting neck wrap. Bandaging material may be used, but must be changed daily. Some people will sew their own E-Tube neck wrap fitting or some purchase them. Kitty Kollar is a well known E-Tube neck wrap provider.
Prior to feeding, the tube must be checked to see if it's still in place. To do this, attach an empty syringe to the feeding port. Pull the plunger back and release it. The plunger should move back to it's starting position. This negative pressure signals that the tube is most likely still in the esophagus. If negative pressure cannot be achieved, the tube may be displaced and it's recommended not to proceed with any feedings until consulting a veterinarian. Once negative pressure is achieved, instill a small amount of room temperature water through the tube. Coughing, gagging, retching, or any discomfort experienced by the patient may signal that the tube is displaced and once again, the veterinarian should be consulted prior to any feedings. Once the feeding is completed, the tube should be flushed again with a small amount of water to keep the tube free of food and to keep it patent. If the tube clogs, some veterinarians may suggest instilling a small amount of regular Coca-Cola into the tube and letting it sit for about 10 minutes. This may help breakdown or remove the clog. Flush a small amount of room temperature water through the tube afterward to see if the clog has been resolved.
The insertion site should be examined daily for any swelling, redness, or discharge. A small amount of swelling, redness, or discharge may be normal and the insertion site can be blotted with a warm, clean, and moistened towel as needed. A veterinarian should be consulted if the discharge is malodorous, yellow, green or excessive. Food should also never be leaking out of the insertion site.
In general, the tube should be supported with a loose fitting neck wrap. Bandaging material may be used, but must be changed daily. Some people will sew their own E-Tube neck wrap fitting or some purchase them. Kitty Kollar is a well known E-Tube neck wrap provider.
Sources:
On The Job Training and Routine Practices
On The Job Training and Routine Practices