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.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
56 dogs.


METHODS
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
Gastrostomy tubes appear to be safe and effective for improving nutritional status of dogs with renal failure.
Elliott
D A
DA
Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
Riel
D L
DL
Rogers
Q R
QR
D000818:Animals; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D001835:Body Weight; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss
D003404:Creatinine