Mega Esophagus - Page 2

Fawndallas, it sounds like yours had congenital mega e which has been confirmed as genetic. I spent a great deal of time on the phone with Dr Clark's staff at Clemson concerning the genetics of it. Unfortunately their funding was cut and they are no longer taking samples from it but they did find a genetic marker.

So are there tests for the markers or did that go with the funding?  If there are, what are they?

Unfortunately funding was cut before they could finalize all of the testing to make a genetic test for it. It has been confirmed as genetic but it still was not confirmed whether it took one or both parents. The testing they did get to showed that is was most likely autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance.

Thank you Jaggirl.  This is great information, but sad that the research could not continue.  Hopefully someone will pick up the torch.   I will update my notes.

Side note:  We got through last night with no regurgitation or vomiting.   I probably over worry every time Cirberus shows the slightest hint of stomach issues.   We have done so well, last occurrence was at 10 months of age.  She is 2 1/2 years old now.

Fawndellas, that is good to hear. Mega e is so heartbreaking. I am hopeful that they can get funding to continue as well. :(

In 2009 Dr Leigh Anne Clark of Texas A&M University was conducting research to see if there were genetic markers for Mega-e.  I sent her a sample from my second Shepherd with congential Mega-I did not follow the study, so do not know the results or whether it is still ongoing.

My second Shepherd with Megaesophagus, is a  happy active 6 year old requiring minimal extra care-fed (food soaked between feedings) & watered elevated.

My first girl had a very normal first two years-the next two years became a battle with aspiration pnemonia up to the time I allowed the university to talk me into placing a peg tube-instead of prolonging her life it hasten her demise a short 7 months later.  The veterinary community still knows very little on the subject or the treatment of it.

3Shep2, Dr Clark is now working out of Clemson and moved all of the research there. As of 2012 the research was discontinued due to lack of funding. I really wish they were able to get the grants to continue.

Fawndallas   In young puppies, sometimes the esophagus becomes enlarged as a secondary symptom... If the sphincter located at the opening of the stomach is not developing properly, it can cause a back up which in turn can cause the esophagus to stretch, or the same area can prolapse on itself... Delayed vagus nerve development (the nerve that transmits messages to the brain) can be a factor too. The drug metaclopramide has been found helpful in strengthening the esophagus muscles and enhance motility... Some puppies will outgrow the condition, especially if there is early intervention (prior to 8 weeks) but even after 8 weeks improvement has been documented...   If your vet is not already providing this for your girl, you might want to ask him about it.

Really sad to hear the research stopped through lack of funding you would have thought that the pedigree registration societies would allocate a % of their fees towards research of this nature for a condition that is far more common that people realise.

For those of you who have a dog with ME I found a great group of people on a closed group on Facebook 

canine megaesophagus support group

it is open to all breeds and offers support and advise on how to care for our babies. There are happy stories as well as sad, but show you you are not alone in the trials that come with an ME dog.

i am continuing my search for a new puppy who although will not replace Blitz, will hopefully help fill the hugh whole he left.

I am looking at a litter in which both parents have schh3 and VA and the dam also has SG which from my reading seems good what I can't find is the meaning of. INTUCH can anyone fill me in?

VA and SG are conformation show ratings and if the dog is a VA, it is not a SG.  So, something is not right on the DAM- perhaps she got a SG in a show before she achieved her title and then went VA and they never removed the SG...  INT UCH stands for international champion, I am assuming with the UKC- United Kennel Club...