Affiliation:
1. Internal Medicine Head Nurse Northwest Veterinary Specialists, Delamere House, Sutton Weaver, Runcorn, WA7 3FW, UK
Abstract
This article provides a useful insight into the benefits of early enteral nutrition in canine pancreatitis patients. A brief explanation of the anatomy and physiology, followed by the pathophysiology, helps the reader understand the disease process. Feeding tubes are beneficial in anorexic patients and selecting a diet and calculating the resting energy requirements is an essential skill to practice to help prevent malnutrition. This article provides a practical step-by-step guide on how to place a nasogastric feeding tube in dogs, including how to clean and secure it in place. Owner education is essential in helping them understand the disease, manage chronic cases and prevent further flare ups in the future.