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An oesophagostomy tube (O-tube) is a small rubber tube that enters via a surgical incision on the side of the cat’s neck. Placement of the tube through this incision allows food to enter the oesophagus and then flow down into the stomach. The tube is not placed directly into the stomach.

Oesophagostomy tubes are used in cats with diseases that cause long-term anorexia (failure to eat), or when upper respiratory disease, jaw fractures or other mouth injuries are present that prevent them from eating.

How do I feed my cat through the tube?

We recommend using Eukanuba Max Cal or Hills AD canned diet. This is specifically formulated to meet your cat’s nutritional needs and it should not cause vomiting or diarrhoea. To feed your cat follow these steps:

1. Using the syringes provided, draw up the specified volume of Eukanuba Max Cal or Hills AD as per the feeding guide that was given to you. Draw up another couple of syringes with tap water.
2. Remove the screw cap and slowly inject 3 ml of water into the o-tube to flush it clean.
3. After flushing with water, slowly inject the measured meal into the o-tube as instructed. It is helpful to inject the food slowly, about 1ml per second, and to elevate your cat’s front feet so the food goes easily into the stomach.
4. When the food has been injected, flush the tube with 5ml of tap water through the port so food does not remain in it.
5. Administer any medications as per instructed.
6. Any remaining food should be stored in the refrigerator. Before the next feeding, it should be warmed to body temperature under hot tap water or in a microwave oven. If you heat the food in a microwave oven, be sure to thoroughly mix the contents prior to feeding because of uneven heating. Also, always check the temperature prior to feeding to be sure that the food is not too hot.
7. Return to your vet every 5-7 days for a dressing change.

When and how is the tube removed?

Patience and persistence are essential. Some cats require several weeks of tube feeding before their appetite will return or healing occurs. At least twice weekly, offer your cat a small amount of a favourite food so that you will know when their appetite is improving. The oesophagostomy tube will not hinder chewing or swallowing. After your cat has been eating well for 3-4 days, return to the hospital for tube removal. Removal of the tube is simple and does not require anaesthesia however, you should not attempt to remove the tube on your own.

Feeding plan:

Your vet will advise you on how much to feed and how often. Usually we recommend to feed one third of their daily requirement on day one divided into 6 small meals, increase to two thirds of their requirement in divided meals on day two and give the full amount on the third day.
For more information on o-tubes head to kittykollar.com: Living with an e-tube (Note in the USA o-tubes are called e-tubes)