Breeder placing puppy with megaesophagus? - Page 1

anyone know anyone who would be interested in a megaesophagus puppy, west german showline, or know of any resource for placing such a pup?  The breeder will keep her if they have to, but it would be in the puppies best interest to be rehomed with someone who would have more time and a better set up for a dog with her condition.  Radiographs are available.

The breeder should be prepared to keep her herself or have her put to sleep

hope they take the sire and dam out of their breeding program!

Where is this puppy?

Oh my heart breaks for both breeder and puppy. 

I am very familiar with MegaE.  Please, please read my PM.

Where is the puppy (as Blitzen asked)?  We might have some answers.

And yes, the sire and dam must be taken out of the breeding program.  There is  not  enough information to rule out genetics as the cause.  I have gone to Texas A & M for all the latest research.

i be very intrested to know the lines the pup came from.

As I'm sure you are aware there is Congential and Acquired Mega-esophagus-I have my second female (4 yrs old) with Congenial which is genetic-when she was younger we participated in a genetic research study out of Texas A & M.

This girl is not as severe as my first girl and experience is the utlimate teacher, so she will never be subjected to the procedures that the University of Missouri insisted on performing on the first-thus, with precautions, should live a long and healthy life.  Had I known then what I know now, my first girl would have lived a longer and fuller life, but I have no regrets spending the either the time or money in her care as she truly was a "Once in a Lifetime" german shepherd.

the puppy is located by chicago, the mother is no longer being bred, even though this is the only mega-e she has produced.  The breeder would rather not put the puppy to sleep because the case does not seem to be on the severe end and might be outgrown.  The main concern of the puppy staying with the breeder is that she is getting into a lot of hard treats/food/objects which could hasten ulcers/enlargement of the esophagus etc.  The puppy is very determined and resourceful in getting at eats.   If I thought there wasnt a good outlook for the little girl I wouldnt be trying to find a different home for her, but I think there is a good chance she can thrive with just minimal maintence such as eating slurry on a platform, taking ulcer med, keeping away from treats and quiet.

This is truly a issue that I wish all breeders would watch for.  The most heart breaking is that the puppy is just as active as can be and there is no obvious signs (at least in the beginning).  That is what makes the hard decisions that much harder.

Unless a breeder sits with the puppies after every meal for at least 30 minutes, the first signs are hard to catch.

If anyone cares: 

Here is the best clue:  The puppy/dog will simple spit up (not vomit) some or all their food.  This can occur immediately or up to 30 minutes or more after they have eaten.  Some puppies are so quick that they (ewwww) re-eat the food before you can catch the problem.  Frequently, this starts (if it is Congenial) as early as their 1st week and becomes more obvious once they are on solid foods.  This may  or may not  happen after every meal.  The more severer the issue, the more frequently you will see it.  Also, not all of the puppies in the litter will have the issue and it is not always the runt of the litter.  Even the biggest pup can have the problem.

The issue (Congenial) is frequently caused by the nerves that surround the esophagus not forming correctly during gestation.  These nerves are what tell the esophagus to 'push' the food along to the stomach.  There is another cause, but I am not as familiar with it.  A vet will know.
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I have my own personal opinion on the "treatment" of the issue.  Everyone has their own limits.  The only thing I can say is really think about the life the dog will live.  If it is Congenial, there is a 60% chance the dog will out grow the issue.  Things only get harder and more heart breaking for the other 40%.