Correção de complicação do uso de sonda nasoesofágica em gato-do-mato-pequeno (Leopardus guttulus) / Correction of a complication of the use of a nasoesophageal feeding tube in a Southern Tiger Cat (Leopardus guttulus)

ABSTRACT

Background: The southern tiger cat (Leopardus guttulus) is a vulnerable wild felid whose occurrence is restricted to theAtlantic Forest biome of Brazilian South and Southwest regions. Various strategies must be used to improve the conservation of species of felids, including preservation of forests and greater therapeutic support for animals in poor healthcondition. Enteral nutrition through a nasoesophageal tube is an option for patients in poor or critical condition; however,this procedure carries the risk of accidental ingestion of the tube. The objective of this work is to describe a conservativeapproach for the management of ingestion of a linear foreign body in a Leopardus guttulus patient.Case A young female southern tiger cat was taken for veterinary treatment. The patient had an estimated age of nine weeks,0.846 kg of body weight, and exhibited cachexia, hypothermia, severe dehydration, and apathy. During the examination,blood samples were taken, and initial treatment commenced with fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy, and anti-inflammatorytherapy along with administration of analgesics and a gastric protector. Since the patient did not want to eat, it received anasoesophageal feeding tube under mild sedation. The patient was positioned in sternal recumbency, its head was tiltedup, and a no. 6 nasoesophageal tube was ventromedially inserted through the right nostril. The tube was later confirmedto be correctly positioned at the ninth intercostal space by a radiographic study. The feeding tube allowed administrationof drugs and microenteral nutrition with a hypercaloric diet; this minimized handling of the patient, which preserved itswild behavior. After the seventh day of treatment, a piece of the tube was found lying at the bottom of the cage. Sinceingestion of the remainder of the tube by the patient was suspected, it was taken to the diagnostic imaging division. At theultrasonographic exam, the stomach exhibited hypermotility and...