Putting a feeding tube in, medically known as a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), is a safe and effective way to provide food, liquids, and medications (when appropriate), directly into the stomach through a tube placed in the abdomen. The procedure is done for animals that are not eating or can’t consume enough food or liquids by mouth to maintain adequate nutrition.

The Procedure
The doctor places the endoscope into the animal’s mouth. The endoscope is then advanced through the esophagus into the stomach. The camera on the endoscope produces pictures of the stomach, which are used to ensure correct positioning of the PEG tube. The feeding tube, which is inserted through an incision in the abdomen, rests in the stomach and exits through the skin. This procedure requires general anesthesia and fasting for at least 12 hours.