Enteral tube feeding in the critically ill patient

摘要

Nutrition is a very important component of patient management especially in the critical care setting. There is significant information indicating that animals may be hypermetabolic during many disease states. For this reason understanding and meeting nutritional requirements cannot be overlooked when managing a critically ill animal. Other factors such as immune system function and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal mucosal barrier may also play a role in managing diseased dogs and cats. For the most part the old adage "if the gut works, use it" applies in most clinical situations. Although there is some controversy as to the benefit of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in animals, if the gastrointestinal tract is functioning, enteral nutritionis the most appropriate and cost effective choice.