Enteral nutrition is indicated for conditions that prevent oral food intake or result in chronic caloric insufficiency and is useful for fluid supplementation or administration of medications in intractable animals. When the esophagus and stomach are functional, enteral feeding can be provided via an esophagostomy tube. Benefits include minimal cost; limited equipment requirements; and rapid, easy placement, especially in cats and smaller dogs (see Benefits & Disadvantages of Esophagostomy Tubes). Esophagostomy tubes are well tolerated and do not interfere with eating or drinking.
Related Article: Nasoesophageal & Nasogastric Tube Placement
The main disadvantage is the necessity for general anesthesia. When placing an esophagostomy tube in a giant breed or obese patient, which can be challenging, specialized percutaneous feeding tube applicators (ELD Tube Applicator) may help. Esophagostomy tube feeding is contraindicated in patients with persistent vomiting and is not usually recommended in animals that have undergone esophageal surgery or have esophageal disorders (eg, megaesophagus, esophageal strictures or neoplasia, esophagitis, esophageal stenosis from vascularring anomalies).
Related Article: Percutaneously Placed Gastrostomy Tubes: Prevention and Treatment
Compared with nasoesophageal and jejunostomy feeding tubes, esophagostomy tubes can be large enough to permit feeding a blenderized commercial canned diet. Unlike pharyngostomy tubes, esophagostomy tubes do not cause pharyngeal or laryngeal irritation or blockage. Unlike gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes, esophagostomy tubes can be removed any time after placement.