Great review! I will re-stack with some cytology photos of lipidosis for students and other interested folks to see 🔬🤓
For any cat owners who read this and got concerned:
"Esophagostomy tubes (usually 12–14 French) or PEG tubes (up to ~18 Fr) permit feeding of calorically dense canned diets (blenderized with water) rather than just liquid formulas. The choice of tube depends on clinician preference and the individual case. Still, early feeding tube placement is critical – it has been repeatedly shown to improve outcomes in anorectic cats. Cats tolerate feeding tubes very well, and owners can be taught to feed through the tube at home. Importantly, placing a feeding tube does not mean the cat will never eat normally again – it is a temporary measure to provide nutrition until the cat’s appetite returns, and most cats resume voluntary feeding once the metabolic crisis resolves."
I want to second the comment that placing a feeding tube is NOT futile aggressive care for terminal patients, many cats recover. My own cat Phoenix needed an e-tube in 2018 and he ultimately recovered and lived another *4 years* before passing from an unrelated condition
Great review! I will re-stack with some cytology photos of lipidosis for students and other interested folks to see 🔬🤓
For any cat owners who read this and got concerned:
"Esophagostomy tubes (usually 12–14 French) or PEG tubes (up to ~18 Fr) permit feeding of calorically dense canned diets (blenderized with water) rather than just liquid formulas. The choice of tube depends on clinician preference and the individual case. Still, early feeding tube placement is critical – it has been repeatedly shown to improve outcomes in anorectic cats. Cats tolerate feeding tubes very well, and owners can be taught to feed through the tube at home. Importantly, placing a feeding tube does not mean the cat will never eat normally again – it is a temporary measure to provide nutrition until the cat’s appetite returns, and most cats resume voluntary feeding once the metabolic crisis resolves."
I want to second the comment that placing a feeding tube is NOT futile aggressive care for terminal patients, many cats recover. My own cat Phoenix needed an e-tube in 2018 and he ultimately recovered and lived another *4 years* before passing from an unrelated condition
Thanks!