Question of the Day

Palpate and visualize (as it passes down) the nasogastric tube in the left side of the neck. The esophagus runs down the left side of the horse’s neck. 

It is NOT possible to see or safely palpate it in the larynx or oropharynx. It is critical to confirm proper placement prior to administration of fluids or medications through the NG tube.

Other methods to confirm that the NG tube is in the stomach: 
1) Blow into the end and have an assistant auscult the stomach with a stethoscope.  
2) Most patients cough if the tube is placed into the trachea; however, this is NOT fool-proof. Sedated or very sick patients, or those in which a very small diameter tube is used, may not cough.  
3) Negative pressure upon aspiration is a sign of being in the stomach. However, can also get negative pressure if the tube is up against soft tissue (in the lung or esophagus) so is not definitive.

Do NOT attempt to suck fluid out of the stomach – personnel can become very sick from the possible contents.

Image courtesy of Nora Grenager, VMD, DACVIM.