56 dogs were included in this study: The mean +/- SD BUN concentration was 134 +/- 79 mg/dl and mean serum creatinine concentration was 9.0 +/- 3.8 mg/dl.
Low-profile gastrostomy tubes were used for initial placement in 10 dogs, and traditional gastrostomy tubes were used in 46 dogs.
Mild stoma-site complications included discharge, swelling, erythema, and signs of pain in 26 (46%) of dogs. Twenty-six gastrostomy tubes were replaced in 15 dogs; 11 were replaced because of patient removal, 6 were replaced because of tube wear, and 3 were replaced for other reasons. Six tubes were replaced by low-profile gastrostomy tubes.
Gastrostomy tubes were used for 65 +/- 91 days (range, 1 to 438 days).
Eight dogs gained weight, 11 did not change weight, and 17 lost weight; information was not available for 20 dogs. Three dogs were euthanatized because they removed their gastrostomy tubes, 2 were euthanatized because of evidence of tube migration, and 1 died of peritonitis.
The authors conclude that gastrostomy tubes appear to be safe and effective for improving nutritional status of dogs with renal failure.
Source: Elliott DA, Riel DL, Rogers QR (2000): Complications and outcomes associated with use of gastrostomy tubes for nutritional management of dogs with renal failure: 56 cases (1994-1999). In: J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000 Nov 1;217(9):1337-42
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