Successful treatment of feline pancreatitis using an endoscopically placed gastrojejunostomy tube

Abstract

A cat with pancreatitis, diagnosed using abdominal ultrasonography, fine-needle aspirate cytopathology, and increased concentration of serum trypsin-like immunoreactive substance, was treated successfully using jejunal alimentation provided through a percutaneous gastrojejunostomy tube. This method of jejunal feeding is less technically difficult, less stressful for the patient, and has fewer complications than surgically placed jejunostomy tubes. Nutritional support with jejunal feeding is superior to total parenteral nutrition, as it maintains gut integrity, decreases septic complications, and may reduce exogenous insulin requirements. The methods of tube insertion and maintenance, and the physiological advantages over other feeding methods are described.