| Abstract: | Distension of the stomach with air and fluid was treated successfully in 9 of 10 dogs by use of an indwelling nasogastric tube. A nasogastric tube was used to remove swallowed air and gastric fluid after surgery, as a precautionary measure to prevent recurrence of gastric distention in 2 dogs. A nasoesophageal tube was used to remove retained barium sulfate and saliva in a cat with megaesophagus and esophageal obstruction caused by gastroesophageal intussusception. Passage of the tube through the nose into the esophagus or stomach was easily accomplished in 10 of the 13 animals, requiring only mild restraint and an anesthetic instilled locally into the nostril. Moderate restraint and more than one attempt at passage of the tube through the nose (ventral meatus) were required in the other 3 animals. In one of these, passage through the ventral meatus and into the pharynx could not be accomplished. Of the 12 animals in which the tube was inserted successfully, 11 tolerated it. The tubes remained inserted from 5 minutes to 48 hours (average, 18.5 hours) without clinically detected complications. This technique offers an alternative to orogastric, gastrostomy, or pharyngostomy tubes for initial and continuous intubation and decompression of the stomach and/or esophagus in the dog and cat. It was found to be practical and effective for the removal of air or fluid, but not the removal of coarse food particles. |
