Complications and outcomes associated with use of gastrostomy tubes for nutritional management of dogs with renal failure: 56 cases (1994-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications and outcomes associated with use of gastrostomy tubes in dogs with renal failure. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS:56 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for dogs with renal failure that were treated by use of gastrostomy tubes. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD BUN concentration was 134 +/- 79 mg/dl and mean serum creatinine concentration was 9.0 +/- 3.8 mg/dl. Low-profile gastrostomy tubes were used for initial placement in 10 dogs, and traditional gastrostomy tubes were used in 46 dogs. Mild stoma-site complications included discharge, swelling, erythema, and signs of pain in 26 (46%) of dogs. Twenty-six gastrostomy tubes were replaced in 15 dogs; 11 were replaced because of patient removal, 6 were replaced because of tube wear, and 3 were replaced for other reasons. Six tubes were replaced by low-profile gastrostomy tubes. Gastrostomy tubes were used for 65 +/- 91 days (range, 1 to 438 days). Eight dogs gained weight, 11 did not change weight, and 17 lost weight; information was not available for 20 dogs. Three dogs were euthanatized because they removed their gastrostomy tubes, 2 were euthanatized because of evidence of tube migration, and 1 died of peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gastrostomy tubes appear to be safe and effective for improving nutritional status of dogs with renal failure.