Is NG tube suction safe for my cat with ileus? What are the risks?

Ileus is the term for when the GI tract is not moving as it normally should, and losing fluid into the GI tract likely means that there is an issue absorbing nutrients and liquid out of the intestine. This typically produces diarrhea. With excessive fluid loss yes, there can be metabolic disturbances and electrolyte imbalances that lead to a pH imbalance throughout the entire body. A nasogastric tube is not used to remove fluid from the stomach, it's typically put in so that a cat that is not eating can be trickle fed nutrients. Alkalosis can be rectified with the appropriate type of fluid therapy.

Yes, pancreatitis can cause ileus in cats and yes, ileus frequently happens as a sequela to pancreatitis. The best way to treat ileus is with fluids (intravenous would be best) and motility drugs like metoclopramide. If the cat is eating motility should start to get back to normal. Since I don't know the timeline of all of this it is hard for me to say much else. If you have more questions feel free to post agin. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Babies! At almost 5 weeks old these kittens can be completely weaned from a bottle. I always recommend bottle fed kittens start being weaned at 3 weeks old due to constipation or diarrhea side effects of the kitten formula. At this time, with them being so sick, I doubt they will start eating kitten food but you can try. Make sure their noses are clear from discharge so they can breath. Tube feeding is some what risky and you should be shown by a vet or an experienced tech before attempting. Once you are shown it is something you can do on your own but for kittens this old they may fight you on it. The risk is putting the tube down their tracheas instead of the esophagus and putting the food in their lungs causing death or aspiration. I overall recommend these kittens be re-evaluated by a Vet. Maybe they can teach you how to give subcutaneous fluids or teach you how to tube feed. They can consider starting an appetite stimulant. I hope this helps and I wish you and the kittens the best!

During the procedure a tube will be inserted into his windpipe, sealing it completely which will eliminate any risks of bile/food aspiration. 99.9% of cats do not experience vomiting during anesthesia anyway.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry Sam is so sick. To answer your questions: 1) I would be cautious to allow a pet owner to travel 6 hours while the cat is attached to IV fluids. We use fluid pumps to administer the right volume of fluids. They would be unable to use a pump in the car due to the need to likely have to plug it in a some point. They do have a battery but in my experience the batteries never last long enough. They could set a drip from the IV fluid bag but cats are sensitive to fluid overload and I would worry that with out a properly trained person monitoring the drips that Sam could receive too much. Maybe the best option would to keep Sam on IV fluids as long as possible and give him some fluids under the skin before he leaves to go to the University hospital. And then may be teach you how to give a 2nd dose under the skin half way to the University. Also he might be fine without fluids for 6 hours, but I am not sure how sick he is 2) IV fluids are just used to provide hydration. There are electrolytes and sometimes sugar int he fluids that in some way can "feed" the pet but it is not appropriate nutrition for a long time. There is Total Parental Nutrition (TPN) which is a white milk substance that is formulated to your pets needs that is given thorough a CENTRAL LINE placed in the animals neck (jugular vein) under anesthesia or heavy sedation. It has to be done sterilally and be kept sterile. It is an expensive option to feed a sick pet. TPN doesn't help the intestinal track stay healthy. Eating and digestive food feeds the intestinal cell lining and prevents shrinking of the lining. It is always best, if possible to geed food through the mouth. TPN has it's place for sure in critical animals. An Esophagostomy tube is a large red rubber tube that is placed under anesthesia in the side of the neck. The animal is feed a blenderized watered down canned food. Feeding this way helps keep the intestines happy, it is easy to place, it is less expensive and pet owners can do it at home when the animal is discharged until eating on their own and it can stay in a long time. 3) There are many ways steroids can be give. They can be given intravenously (dexamethasone, Dex SP), subcutaneously as a long lasting injection (Depo medrol, Vetalog), subcutaneously short term (injectable prednisole), as a pill or it can be compounded in to a liquid. I wish you and Sam the best of luck!

Hi. If she isn't getting better, and it's been that long, I would recommend an ER and a second opinion. And yes, a feeding tube may be very helpful for her, but you have to find the primary cause of why she needs it in order to fix it. Good luck. I'd head to the ER.

Aspirates of any organ does contain a degree of risk, especially as the kidneys have a large blood supply. Typically cats do quite well with such procedures, however. If you are worried, I would discuss all concerns and anesthetic risks with your veterinarian. If it is a recurring issue you are trying to get to the bottom of, you could also consider discussing a biopsy as well. Good luck!