Complications associated with use of jejunostomy tubes in dogs and cats: 40 cases (1989-1994).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate complications and outcomes of surgeries in which jejunostomy tubes were used in critically ill dogs and cats.


METHODS
Retrospective review of medical records.


METHODS
32 dogs and 8 cats.


METHODS
In each animal, a 5-F or 8-F red rubber urethral/feeding catheter was surgically placed in the proximal portion of the jejunum.


RESULTS
The most common indication for jejunostomy tube placement in dogs was a gastrointestinal condition (20 dogs; 62.5%). Neoplasms were detected in 11 of the 20 dogs. Pancreatic disease was the most common indication for tube placement in cats (7 cats; 87.5%). Thirty-three animals (27 dogs, 6 cats; 82.5%) did not have complications. Five dogs and 2 cats had 10 tube-related complications, including focal cellulitis (3 dogs), tube dislodgement (2 dogs, 1 cat), and tube occlusion (1 dog, 1 cat). Twenty-four animals (20 dogs, 4 cats; 60%) were discharged from the hospital. Fifteen dogs and 4 cats were alive 2 weeks after discharge, and 5 dogs and 2 cats survived for at least 4 weeks after discharge. Deaths were related to disease and were not associated with jejunostomy tubes.


CONCLUSIONS
The complication rate associated with jejunostomy tubes appears to be low. Complications usually are nonfatal.
Swann
H M
HM
Section of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
Sweet
D C
DC
Michel
K
K
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D002415:Cats / Q000601:surgery*; D003625:Data Collection; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D007582:Jejunostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D007583:Jejunum / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome