Alternatively, a large bore Foley catheter can be placed into the stomach at laparotomy and secured to the abdominal musculature. Gastrostomy tubes are wide bore and so will accommodate most types of diet. The tube may be left in place for weeks to months and tube feeding by this method can be continued by most owners at home. Enterostomy catheters Feeding by enterostomy catheter may be required when serious conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as pancreatitis or major gastric or small bowel surgery, are present. Animals fed in this way should receive liquid elemental diets that require little digestion and are readily absorbed from the jejunum and ileum.
Parenteral nutrition is an alternative if small bowel function is severely compromised.
In some cases, energy requirements may be below normal because the animal is hypometabolic or because it is physically inactive as a result of the injury. The total volume required is divided into 4-6 feeds per day, depending on previous oral intake and individual animal tolerance. Weight and body condition score should be recorded on a daily basis to enable accurate calculation of the patient's energy requirements and to monitor its progress. Adjustments in food allowance can then be made according to changes in the animal's body weight and body condition. Frequent monitoring of haematological and biochemical profiles is recommended.