Endoscopically guided nasojejunal tube placement in dogs for short-term postduodenal feeding.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a method for endoscopically guided nasojejunal tube placement allowing short-term postduodenal feeding and chyme withdrawal in dogs.


METHODS
Pilot study.


METHODS
University teaching hospital.


METHODS
Three healthy Beagle dogs with jejunal nipple valve fistulas.


METHODS
After the dogs were anesthetized, an 8 Fr, 250-cm polyvinyl chloride catheter was advanced through a gastroscope into the jejunum. Correct jejunal placement was established using endoscopic visualization and confirmed by fluoroscopy and radiography. The proximal end of the tube was pulled out through 1 nostril and sutured to the skin of the forehead. Thereafter, jejunal feeding was administered for 4 days. Follow-up examinations included daily confirmation of the tube's position using radiography, physical examination, and blood analyses. Withdrawal of jejunal chyme was performed after jejunal and oral feeding.


RESULTS
Fluoroscopic examination confirmed that endoscopic visualization alone allowed correct jejunal placement. During a 4-day postduodenal feeding period, repeated radiographic examination revealed stable positioning of the tubes within the jejunum with minor cranial displacement. The tubes were functional throughout the study without causing identifiable problems. Repeated physical examinations and blood analysis showed no abnormalities. We were able to administer the daily caloric requirements as a liquid diet. Jejunal chyme was successfully withdrawn via the tube.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopically guided nasojejunal tube placement was shown to be a minimally invasive, well-tolerated method for short-term jejunal feeding in healthy dogs. This technique is a viable option for dogs requiring jejunal feeding but not laparotomy. The feasibility of chyme sampling is another unique application of the procedure.
Pápa
Kinga
K
Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary. papa.kinga@aotk.szie.hu
Psáder
Roland
R
Sterczer
Agnes
A
Pap
Akos
A
Rinkinen
Minna
M
Spillmann
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D007583:Jejunum; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012582:Schools, Veterinary