Surgery and Radiology Section

PASSING OF GASTRIC/STOMACH TUBE IN SMALL ANIMALS

• The stomach tube is used in small animals to administer liquids. Plastic tubing for this purpose is available in many sizes. A soft rubber catheter (22 French, 75cm long for dogs and 12 French to 16 French, 40cm long for cats) will also work well.
• Before the tube is passed, the distance from the animal’s incisor teeth to the level of 8^th (or) 9^th rib should be measured and marked on the tubing with tape on a ball point pen.
• To avoid the damage of stomach tube from the dogs bite, a partially used rolled adhesive tape (or) a wooden spacer block should be inserted behind the canine teeth to hold the animal’s mouth open.
• The end of the stomach tube should be lubricated with water or a sterile lubricating gel inserted through the central hole in the tape roll (or) block, and pushed gently into the pharynx. As the animals swallows, the tube is advanced to the level previously marked.
• The neck should be palpated for the presence of tube that is felt in the oesophagus. A syringe (or) funnel may be attached to the end of the stomach tube and the medication administered slowly. When with drawing the tube, if should be linked in order to prevent stomach contents from being withdrawn and possibly inhaled.