My dog needs a feeding tube. What are the risks, permanence, and care?

Question

My dog has had elevated ALT and fevers, of which she has been hospitalized for 4 nights. She is no longer running a fever, but is still not eating enough. The vet wants to place a feeding tube in her neck so she can be sent home and be seen on an outpatient basis. What are the risks of these tubes? Are they permenant? Are they difficult to manage?

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

You should discuss your concerns with your vet - as well as other options such as syringe feedign. Feeding tubes do require some maintenance and must be kept clean and protected from being chewed by the patient or other dogs at home, monitored for blockage or becoming displaced. If only being used for temporary supplemental feeding they would not be permanent

My dog needs a feeding tube. What are the risks, permanence, and care?

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