Clinical evaluation of tube esophagostomy in small animals.

An alternative technique for placement of tube esophagostomy in small animals is described. Tube esophagostomy was placed in 13 dogs and nine cats. The mean duration of tube placement was 23 days (range, one to 48 days). No significant complications related to the tube were noted. In each case, tube esophagostomy was tolerated and time to healing of the esophagostomy site following tube removal was less than two weeks. Tube esophagostomy is suitable for use in a nutritionally compromised small animal with a functional esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.