Care of an Esophagostomy (E) Feeding Tube
Temperature of formula: Always feed the formula through the E-tube at room temperature, or slightly warmer, to avoid vomiting. Prior to feeding, draw up the required volume of formula into the syringe(s), and let it stand for a while at room temperature, or in warm water. Do not microwave. Test the temperature by placing a drop of the warmed feeding formula on the inside of your wrist. It should feel lukewarm.
Rate of administration: Always feed the formula through the E-tube very slowly (over 15-20 minutes) to decrease the incidence of vomiting. If your pet is showing signs of nausea during feeding (licking lips, drooling, or vomits) then feeding may need to be even slower over 30 minutes. The minimum amount of time between feedings is 2 ½ to 3 hours.
Caring for the tube: We have placed a cloth collar around your pet’s neck to protect the tube insertion site in the skin. At the area where the tube inserts into the skin we have also placed a small pad to help with any discharge. Please keep this area dry. Check the tube site every day and keep the tube and skin clean. It is normal for a small amount of serum to accumulate and form crusts at the base of the tube. You may clean gently around the site with mild soap and water using a cotton ball or q-tip, and dry thoroughly before replacing the bandage/collar. In addition to daily care at home, we recommend weekly recheck at a veterinary facility to evaluate and clean the tube site. If you see swelling, bloody discharge or pus, or have any other concerns then please contact us.
Download the full feeding instructions PDF.
A 2010 Graduate of Colorado State College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Sean McPeck developed his leadership as a Sniper Team Leader and Veterinarian with the US Army Special Operations, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Dr. McPeck has multiple combat deployments, totaling almost 2 years in combat theaters of operation.
He is the recipient of the Combat Action Badge, and is Ranger, Sniper, and Airborne qualified. While serving as an officer in Special Operations, Dr. McPeck was repeatedly recognized for his Honor, Integrity, Courage and Selfless Service in the name of the United States. He was recognized with not one, but two, Meritorious Service Medals.
Under his leadership, Dr. McPeck worked with Working Dog handlers, and canine units, to detain and seize enemy combatants. The canines that Dr. McPeck worked with are credited with savings thousands of United States soldiers deployed in combat areas.
Dr. McPeck authored The RCAP, Ranger Canine Athletic Program, which was the 1st comprehensive Military canine conditioning program.
His specific training and certification classes for Dog handlers to be proficient in Canine Tactical- Combat Casualty Care, and knowledge of current medical equipment and procedures, which led to the successful life saving interventions by handlers in real world operations.
Dr. SaraRose McPeck graduated from Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. A Massachusetts native who attended Becker College for her undergrad, Dr. McPeck has lived and worked around the country and even the world. She served four years in the United States Army as a Veterinary Officer, during which she was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, and completed a 12-month tour in Afghanistan.
Her time serving in the Army provided her the experience as the primary veterinarian for over 350 Military Working Dogs, in which she provided all emergency, trauma, surgical, critical, and primary care. In addition to caring for animals, she trained, mentored, and led six Non-Commissioned Officers and twelve junior enlisted Soldiers, giving her not only impressive veterinary experience but also exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills.
As a Veterinary Corp Officer, she received a variety of awards, including a Bronze Star, a NATO Medal, a GWOT Medal, two Army Accommodation Medals, among many others. She gained experiences in which she exemplified impressive leadership skills and the ability to adapt to both clinical and combat support situations. Her years of experience serving our country and in veterinary medicine have equipped her with the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional care to our patients.