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Enteral nutrition by tube
P J Armstrong1, M S Hand, G S Frederick
1Department of Companion Animal and Special Species Medicine, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Tube feeding, or enteral nutrition, is a vital alternative when oral intake fails. It supports gastrointestinal health and function, offering a preferred route over parenteral nutrition for many patients.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Oral intake is not always possible for animals.
- Enteral nutrition is a preferred alternative to parenteral nutrition.
- Gut stimulation by food intake is crucial for maintaining gastrointestinal structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the indications and methods for tube feeding in animals.
- To highlight the benefits of enteral nutrition for gastrointestinal health.
- To discuss practical considerations for successful tube feeding.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research data on enteral nutrition.
- Discussion of various tube feeding routes (nasoesophageal, gastrostomy, etc.).
- Consideration of diet types (blenderized vs. liquid commercial diets).
Main Results:
- Enteral nutrition is recommended whenever oral intake is compromised.
- Various indwelling tubes facilitate enteral feeding.
- Proper catheter selection, technique, patient monitoring, and diet choice are key to success.
Conclusions:
- Enteral nutrition is a safe and effective method for nutritional support.
- Maintaining gut integrity and function is a significant advantage of the enteral route.
- Blenderized diets are preferred when feasible, with commercial liquid diets as a viable alternative.