Misplaced oesophagostomy tube: An unusual cause of difficult tracheal intubation in a cat

Abstract This case report describes an unanticipated challenging orotracheal intubation caused by a misplaced oesophagostomy feeding tube. A 6‐year‐old, male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat presented with head trauma of unknown origin. The cat was initially managed by a primary care veterinarian with an oesophagostomy tube placed as part of patient care. It was referred to the tertiary practice for computed tomography imaging. Upon induction of general anaesthesia, the oesophagostomy tube was seen to be in front of the larynx, making visualisation difficult for endotracheal intubation. This case highlights that there are emerging complications associated with oesophagostomy tube placement, and more care needs to be taken during what some consider a routine procedure.