Wetlab : placement of different feeding tubes for enteral nutrition in cats
Being able to offer anorexic animals nutrition is an important part of our daily clinical work.
The majority of cats that are hospitalized are anorexic, either because their underlying disease, or often secondary to the stress of hospitalization. Anorexia leads to a severe catabolic state characterized by protein loss, enhanced lipolysis, release of stress hormones, immunodepression and decreased wound healing. In cats protracted anorexia will also predispose them to the development of lipidosis.
Force feeding cats via syringe is a technique that should be discouraged as it can create food aversion and worsening the stress and anorexia. Enteral nutrition can be accomplished in a better and less stressful manner, with the placement of feeding tube: a naso-oesophageal or oesphageal feeding tube.
After an introduction of 30-45 minutes on when and how to implement enteral nutrition in cats, you will be able to practically apply the different technique of placing feeding tubes in cats.