Introduction

• Insertion of a feeding tube into the stomach via the mouth.

Uses

• Decompression of gastric tympanism : most common use in rabbits.
• Providing nutrition in cases of anorexia Anorexia or decreased appetite: long-term anorexia may be better treated with an esophagostomy tube Esophagus: esophagostomy or with a nasogastric tube Nasogastric intubation.
• Administration of medication (single dosing) when the rabbit is not taking it by other routes: long-term therapy may be better achieved via an esophagostomy tube or with a nasogastric tube.

Advantages

• Acceptance is significantly better than nasogastric intubation.
• The procedure is quick, easy to learn and perform, and does not produce significant discomfort for the patient.
• In life-threatening situations, eg gastric bloating, orogastric intubation is recommended over nasogastric intubation or the placement of an esophagostomy tube.
• It may be performed by a single operator in an emergency situation.

Disadvantages

• It is not generally recommended for long-term treatment of any condition.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Outcomes

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent reference from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Lord B & Oglesbee B L (2020) Gastrointestinal Diseases of Rabbits. In: Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. 4th edn. Eds: Quesenberry K E, Orcutt C J, Mans C & Carpenter J W. Elsevier, USA. pp 174-108.
• Harcourt-Brown F (2014) Rabbit Basic Science. In: Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. 2nd edn. Ed: Varga M. Butterworth Heinemann, UK. pp 3-108.
• Richardson J & Keeble E (2014) Physical Examination and Clinical Techniques. In: BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine. Eds: Meredith A & Lord B. BSAVA, UK. pp 80-107.