Megaesophagus - Page 1

Janette, I would think that the genetic distribution for this fault could be shared equally by either or both the sire and the dam, as it does not appear to be a sex-linked trait.

I guess the second question would ask which parent would be "more" responsible for the appearance of this fault. My gut feeling says that it would be shared equally. Since this is thought to be a genetic, rather than development-linked fault, obviously some parents would pass this fault more than others, especially if both parents possess the ability to produce this fault.

I am sure that others here can provide a better answer, but I think the appearance of this fault would follow the normal rules of genetic distribution.

Bob-O

It can be carried and is carried by either sex... it must be carried by both parents to produce it.

I think the question of who is more responsible is not applicable since it is a recessive and simply both parents have to have the gene to produce the condition.. now I am only talking about mega-e in puppies

I know there is an adult onset that can be cause by entubation or other conditions possibly and I'm not familiar with those so maybe someone else can help with that..... I'd like to know also

I do have a geneticist friend, I could ask her 

Not necessarily genetic, megaesophagus can be caused by many factors.  The few times I saw it it was from dams later diagnosed with thyroid disorder.  Obviously there is influence of hormones on the developing fetus that negatively affect formation and function of the esophagus. 

Megaesophagus is a condition in which the esophagus is enlarged or dilated.  The results of this condition are : regurgitation, loss of overall condition and frequently leads to aspiration pneumonia.  Megaesophagus interferes with effective peristalsis thereby preventing food from passing down into the stomach. 

It can be congenital or acquired. A recessive gene must be carried by both parents to show up in a puppy.

In the case of congenital megaesophagus in puppies, the symptoms appear shortly after the puppies begin to eat solid foods. 

Pups with this condition will begin to eat eagerly, then regurgitate a small amount of food, which they will eat again.  By repeatedly eating the food, the meal is liquified, thereby making it possible to be passed into the stomach.  Your DVM can do an xray using a barium liquid that helps clearly define the shape of the stomach and esophagus on the film.  

Treatment for congenital megaesophagus in puppies is directed toward maintaining and improving the nutritional status of the pup.  Food and water are usually given by raising the bowls up off of the floor (raising the bowls helps facilitate swallowing).  A semi liquid or gruel mixture may be needed. The first few weeks are the most critical. Some dogs might live a long life with this condition with allot of extra care and blending of the food. Often the condition is such that the dog cannot hold down food and suffers and must be euthanized.

I had a dog who ended up with a mild form of this when he was about 7 years old.  Until then, no problem.  He started having trouble with food that was too stiff or sticky (like canned food mixed with kibble).  He almost suffocated once, but luckily, came to me for help.   From then on, he was given food in two small batches so he couldn't eat large mouthfuls, and always with enough liquid so it wouldn't stick in his throat.  He just had weakness in the muscles in the throat area, no vomiting or regurgitation.   

 What his breeder didn't tell me was that he had 3 littermates who had died of mega-E as young puppies.  My dog showed symptoms as an adult, but he also had the genetic disposition for it.