Vincent Has A Nasal Tube
AnimalCare 
Mar 1, 2019 
AnimalCare, NGOs 
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Vincent’s condition deteriorated from yesterday. I managed to force-feed him 4 times, but as the day wore on, he looked more miserable.
When he first returned from the clinic, after the IV-drip, he was active, happy, alert and very interested in food. But yesterday, he took a downward turn.
This morning, he rejected the food I tried to force-feed. I finally managed to syringe-feed two tubes of Ciao liquid treats, which I pumped as far as in possible into his throat using a syringe. I did my best to avoid touching his tongue (where the ulcers are).
I realised that the pain in the mouth is preventing him from eating. When I force-fed him yesterday, I could see that he is trying to avoid the pain in the mouth.
By this morning, he hated the KD because of its texture. Shredded canned food was still tolerable, but not blended KD. He just spat it out. I think it is a case of individual taste. Vincent had never liked blended food.
So I communicated with the vet this morning. My plan was already to take him in for IV-drip. I know the IV-drip makes him feel so much more comfortable and happier. There is no doubt about that. It’s the intravenous hydration – it’s very effective.
The vet suggested that we try the nasal tube. It would only require a bit of numbing around the nose area for her to insert the tube through the nose directly into the stomach. This way, we can feed Vincent through the tube.
I agreed there was no other way. If Vincent cannot eat, he will just starve to death. He is already emaciated from last Saturday’s not eating for 24 hours. We just cannot allow him to have no food for another 24 hours.
My priority is to keep Vincent as comfortable as possible and if having food in his stomach can do that, we will do that.
The syringes of various sizes I have for force-feeding through the mouth, but this is still stressful because of his mouth ulcers.
I did the 250ml subcut, but even this is not effective now because it takes 6 hours for the fluids to penetrate into the organs. IV-drip is much faster.
Maybe Vincent also knows we have no choice now. When we placed the carrier on the floor and told him, “Let’s go see doctor, Vincent…”, he walked right in.
He knows.
Waiting for our turn.
There has been so much drooling, due to the pain in the mouth.
The vet was VERY skilful in putting the nasal tube in. Of course there would be a bit of discomfort, as expected, but I think Vincent was very brave and cooperative.
To me, the whole process happened smoothly and quickly. I brought our plastic e-collar along, but the vet has this fabric type which is much softer and more comfortable, so of course, we opted for this.
Surprisingly, Vincent did not struggle with the nasal tube (it’s a very thin tube). He did not attempt to pull it out either. I hope that once it’s in, there will no more discomfort. The clinic will feed him certain liquid foods through the tube. The tube goes all the way to his stomach, so in case there is any “burning” along the esophagus, it is all by-passed.
Vincent is also on IV-fluids now. I hope he will feel more comfortable. That’s the most important thing now – to be as comfortable as possible.
Vincent was already more alert when we arrived at the clinic. I think he just knows. He was so depressed at home and there was nothing more that we could do for him (at home).
You’re a very brave boy, Vincent. Stay here and you’ll feel better.
The plan is to keep Vincent at the clinic tonight so that he has a longer time on the IV-drip. As soon as he can eat by mouth, the nasal tube can be removed.
The last time Vincent was hospitalised here, he seemed very comfortable too. The clinic is exceptionally clean, hygienic and there is constant monitoring by the staff. We cannot ask for more.
The vet says I should bring his favourite foods later this evening when I visit so that she can try feeding him to see if he is able to eat by mouth. I’m going to make some steamed chicken for him.
Source: https://myanimalcare.org/2019/03/01/vincent-has-a-nasal-tube..
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