Summary
A percutaneous nonendoscopic gastrostomy tube placement device and a new technique for nonendoscopic gastric feeding tube placement were developed for use in animais weighing < 15 kg. After a successful experimental trial in 7 cats, the tube placement device was used in 8 clinical animals (7 cats and 1 dog). All gastrostomy feeding tubes were placed on the first attempt within 10 minutes. Position of the tube was evaluated by endoscopy in 14 of 15, by radiography in 4 of 15, and by celiotomy and necropsy in 2 of 15 animals, respectively. Placement was comparable to the percutaneous endoscopic technique in all but 1 cat. In this animal, the tube had to be placed exiting the skin in a caudoventral location because of severe panniculitis. Complications related to the use of the tube placement device were not observed. Complications related to gastrostomy tube management developed in 5 of 15 animals. The prevalence of clinically important or life-threatening complications (peritonitis or premature removal) was 3 of 15.
