Feeding tubes

[JMM]

for dogs...what do you think? Have you had good outcomes when they're just not taking in enough calories? How have they tolerated them?

[Traci]

Has your vet suggested this for Mikey? How is he doing, JMM?

If your vet feels he's lost a significant amount of weight, is dehydrated, nauseous, anorexic etc, you might want to recheck bloodwork and possibly opt for a day or two of IV fluids, then approach a feeding tube placement. If he is not eating on his own and has multiple symptoms, forced feeding may not be enough....in the event of severe illness, tube feeding may be a lifesaver, but your vet needs to recheck his liver function (possibly pancreas), etc...to determine the necessity of it.....

[davet]

there are several types of feeding tubes and the one I found best for real se4rious problems was one that was inserted through a small incision in the throat and then wrapped up the head to the neck and then you just "pump" gruel into it....dogs seem to tolerate it very well..there are ones through the nose but they don't seem to like that but again this is your vets solutionb

[JMM]

I'll talk to his specialist tomorrow. It doesn't sound like it will really help talking with the reg vet today.

He is eating ok, no major vomiting, stool good to diarrhea and back, but losing weight. He's down to 5 lbs, losing 1/2 lb in 2 weeks which is a lot for him. He's very skinny. Hopefully I'm over reacting and he'll bounce back again.

He's on tramadol now to keep him comfortable. He just looks so old and frail.

What do you think of injectible dex instead of oral so he will be sure to absorb it?

[davet]

opinion only but i think injectable is far more effective the oral

[Traci]

But it's only temporary, and may carry prolonged side effects as opposed to oral administration. Based on Mikey's history and symptoms, your vet should be able to determine the best choice for Mikey's particular needs.

The weight loss is concerning, JMM, and the frequent diarrhea may be contributing...talk to your vet about that.

[JMM]

For now we're going to let him be. I'll pick up some yummies and home cook for him later this week. I'm waiting to hear back with what Cornell thinks, but it is probably time to let him be.