C854
Tube Feeding (Esophageal Feeder)

Weak Lamb or Kid Feeding Unit
60 mL plastic syringe

 

 

 

16-18 inch feeding catheter (#18 French)

 

With one hand, cradle the head of the newborn. Then gently insert the tube into the newborn’s mouth. Allow the lamb/kid to swallow and advance the tube. By allowing the newborn to swallow, the tube should enter the esophagus. Throughout the procedure, hold on to the tube to prevent the lamb or kid from swallowing the entire tube. This may occur in a larger lamb or kid.

 

With one hand, feel on the left side of the windpipe (trachea) for the tube. If the tube is in the proper location (the esophagus), the tube can be felt by sliding it in and out. If it cannot be felt, the tube should be removed and reinserted again.

 

If the tube cannot be felt, it may be in the lungs. Never administer any fluids until the tube can be positively identified. Death can result if fluids are administered into the lungs! Once it is certain the tube is in the esophagus, the syringe can be connected and fluid administered. See F145 for information on how much to feed. A video of this procedure is found below.

 

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Stomach Tube Placement in an Adult
This diagram shows the use of an oral tube in an adult animal. Performing this procedure would be warranted when the animal is bloated and requires gas to be released from the rumen. This method may also be used to pump large amounts of fluid into the animal. If only small amounts of fluid are required, a drenching gun can also be used (see page C174).

After inserting the tube past the throat region, feel on the left side of the windpipe (trachea) for the tube. If the tube is in the proper location (the esophagus), the tube can be felt by sliding it in and out. If it cannot be felt, the tube should be removed and reinserted again. Once it is certain the tube is in the esophagus, the tube can be gently passed into the rumen. If the tube is in the rumen, the air coming out can be smelled, identifying the typical rumen odor. While someone is listening to the rumen with a stethoscope, blow on the end of the tube. A gurgling noise should be heard in the rumen. This will ensure the tube is in the right place. Never administer any fluids until the tube can be positively identified. Death can result if fluids are administered into the lungs!