Balloon Esophageal Dilation
(BE) Tube in Dogs & Cats
Understanding Esophageal Strictures
The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and water from the mouth to the stomach. In some dogs and cats, inflammation or injury to the esophagus can heal abnormally, forming scar tissue that narrows the passageway. This narrowing is called an esophageal stricture.
Pets with an esophageal stricture often have difficulty swallowing and may regurgitate food shortly after eating. Over time, this can lead to weight loss, dehydration, poor nutrition, increased risk of aspiration pneumonia, and reduced quality of life.
Treating the narrowing early can help pets return to eating more normally and prevent complications.
What Is a Balloon Esophageal Dilation (BE) Tube?
A Balloon Esophageal Dilation Tube, commonly called a BE tube, is a specialized medical device used to treat benign (non-cancerous) esophageal strictures.
Although the device resembles a feeding tube, its primary purpose is therapeutic dilation of the narrowed esophagus rather than long-term nutritional support.
The BE tube combines two important functions:
- It allows controlled, repeated dilation of the stricture over several weeks
- It can provide a route for nutrition, hydration, and medication if needed during recovery
The approach helps reduce the need for repeated anesthetic procedures and repeated endoscopic balloon dilations that are often required with traditional treatment methods.
Why a BE Tube May Be Recommended
Traditional treatment of esophageal strictures often involves repeated endoscopic balloon dilations under general anesthesia. While effective, strictures commonly recur between procedures, meaning multiple anesthetics events may be needed.
The BE tube was designed to improve long-term success by allowing gentle, consistent dilation during the healing process. This helps prevent scar tissue from reforming and reduces the number of procedures required.
It may be recommended for pets with:
- Newly diagnosed benign esophageal strictures
- Strictures that recur after previous dilation procedures
- Difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition due to regurgitation
- Conditions requiring ongoing dilation support during healing
Many pets treated with BE tubes are able to return to eating a normal diet after therapy is complete.
How the BE Tube Is Placed
Placement of a BE tube is performed under general anesthesia by an Internal Medicine specialist using endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance.
During the procedure:
- The esophageal stricture is first dilated using standard balloon dilation techniques
- A small incision is made on the left side of the neck
- The BE tube is carefully positioned so the balloon portion spans the narrowed area
- The tube remains in place for the duration of treatment
The balloon is not left inflated continuously. Instead, it remains deflated between treatments, allowing food and water to pass normally through the esophagus.
How the BE Tube Works at Home
After placement, the BE tube allows pet owners to perform gentle dilations at home twice daily using carefully measured air volumes.
Each inflation is brief. They is performed while the pet is awake, without requiring any sedation. Afterwards, the balloon is immediately deflated again.
Because the initial dilation is performed under anesthesia, most pets tolerate these home treatments very well. Pet parents are thoroughly trained prior to discharge and shown exactly how to perform the inflations safely and comfortably.
Between treatments, the tube remains low-profile and typically does not interfere with swallowing.
Feeding During Treatment
Although the BE tube can provide nutritional support if needed, most pets are encouraged to resume eating by mouth shortly after placement. Gradually thickened foods may be introduced as tolerated, helping the esophagus regain normal function as healing progresses.
The feeding tube capability acts as a backup to help ensure adequate hydration and nutrition during recovery.
Recovery and Expected Timeline
Most pets remain hospitalized overnight after placement for monitoring and go home the following day. Treatment typically continues for approximately 4-6 weeks, allowing the esophagus time to heal while maintaining the widened opening.
After this period, the tube is removed. Removal may be performed with or without anesthesia depending on the patient and individual circumstances.
Clinical experience has shown encouraging outcomes, with many pets returning to normal eating habits and requiring fewer repeat procedures compared to traditional dilation alone.
Potential Risks and Monitoring
Complications associated with BE tubes are generally mild. Possible side effects may include mild irritation at the tube site, temporary gagging during inflation, and minor discomfort. Serious complications are rare when the tube is placed and managed appropriately.
Owners are instructed to pause treatments and contact the hospital if they notice any unexpected pain, resistance during inflation, or other concerns.
Our Approach at VSP
A BE tube is not considered a last-resort feeding device. It is a specialized, evidence-based therapy designed to help the esophagus heal more effectively while minimizing repeated anesthesia and procedures.
Our internal medicine team carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether BE tube therapy offers the best opportunity for long-term success.
By combining advanced endoscopic techniques with structured at-home therapy, our goal is to:
- Restore comfortable swallowing
- Reduce regurgitation
- Improve nutrition and hydration
- Support long-term quality of life
We work closely with pet parents throughout treatment to ensure they feel confident performing at-home care and understand each step of the process.
Is Your Pet Struggling to Swallow or Regurgitating Food?
Esophageal strictures can make eating difficult and affect your pet’s overall health and comfort. Advanced therapies like the Balloon Esophageal Dilation (BE) tube can help restore normal swallowing while reducing the need for repeated anesthesia.
Call us to speak with our team or schedule an evaluation to determine if BE tube therapy may be appropriate for your pet.
Frequently Asked {Questions}
What is a Balloon Esophageal Dilation (BE) tube used for?
A BE tube is used to treat benign esophageal strictures, which are areas of narrowing in the esophagus caused by inflammation or scar tissue. The tube allows gentle, repeated dilation of the narrowed area over time, helping restore a more normal swallowing function and reducing regurgitation.
Is a BE tube the same as a feeding tube?
Not exactly. While the BE tube can be used to provide food, water, or medication if needed, its primary purpose is therapeutic dilation of the esophagus. It is designed to help the esophagus heal more effectively and reduce the need for repeated anesthesia and procedures.
Why not just perform repeated balloon dilations?
Traditional treatment often requires multiple anesthetic procedures because strictures can reform between dilations. The BE tube allows consistent, gentle dilation at home during the healing process, which may reduce recurrence and decrease the number of procedures needed – as well as the number of bills.
Does placement of a BE tube require anesthesia?
Yes. Placement of the BE tube is performed under general anesthesia using endoscopic guidance. This allows the stricture to be safely dilated initially and ensures accurate positioning of the tube.
Will my pet need to stay in the hospital?
Most pets stay in the hospital overnight after the procedure so the medical team can monitor recovery and ensure the tube is functioning properly. Pets are typically discharged the following day once owners are comfortable performing home dilations.
How do the dilations work at home?
Owners perform brief balloon inflations twice daily using carefully measured air volumes. The inflations are short, performed while the pet is awake, and the balloon is deflated immediately afterward. Owners receive detailed training before going home.
Can my pet eat normally with a BE tube?
In most cases, pets are encouraged to resume eating by mouth shortly after placement. Soft or thickened foods are often introduced gradually. The tube also provides a backup method for nutrition and hydration if oral intake is temporarily limited.
What is the success rate for BE tube therapy?
Many pets treated with BE tubes are able to return to eating a normal diet after treatment is completed. Clinical experience suggests this approach can reduce recurrence of strictures and decrease the need for repeated anesthesia compared to traditional dilation alone.
Are there risks associated with BE tubes?
Complications are uncommon and typically mild. Some pets may experience temporary irritation at the tube site or mild discomfort during inflation. Serious complications are rare when the tube is placed and managed appropriately.
How long does the BE tube stay in place?
Treatment typically lasts about 4-6 weeks, allowing time for the esophagus to heal while maintaining dilation. The tube is then removed once the stricture has been stabilized.
Will my primary veterinarian stay involved in my pet’s care?
You don’t have to choose between specialty care and your trusted veterinarian. We work closely with referring doctors and share detailed findings and recommendations. This team-based approach ensures your pet receives consistent, coordinated care at every stage.