Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Abstract

Over the past 5 to 7 years, the veterinary profession has benefitted from our increased ability to provide nutrition to the small animal patient who cannot or will not eat. The adaptation of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for use in the dog and cat deserves a great deal of credit in advancing the level of care we can now give to the chronically ill or critical care patient. The PEG is a relatively simple technique that has proved to be a very cost-efficient way to maintain the nutritional status of the small animal patient. In the author's experience, owner acceptance of using the PEG in the home environment on a chronic basis has been excellent.