Megaoesophagus - Page 1

My gorgeous 19 month old boy has this problem.  I have micro managed him from a puppy.  The first month was rough, but my vet said many dogs outgrow the problem, so I hung in there and watched.  He got better and better.  By 10 months he was "as normal as any dog" according to my vet.  So I started ring obedience training and he was doing great.  We also did some sheep herding and he showed a strong natural instinct.  I decided he was ready for his first show and registered him for his first attempt at CD.  3 weeks before the show he collapsed with Aspiration Pneumonia, temp at 107 degrees, crash cart time.  It took 2 days to get him out of danger.  Since then he has had 3 boughts of pneumonia, ...non as bad as the first because I am much more aware and get to it more quickly.

I have given up training which is hard to do...now he just stays home and is watched like a hawk.  I soak and mash all of his food to lessen the chance of aspiration.

Does anyone have this problem and do you have any better ways of treating the aspiration pneumonia than dumping antibiotics on the problem?

It is a heartbreaking condition and I could use any new ideas for this young male.

Hi,

We had a dog that got megaesophagus as an older dog.  He had bloated and was tubed multiple times before my husband's ex finally had the dogs stomach tacked.    Apparently, the tubing had damaged the esophagus.  So, when he as with us(joint custody kind of thing) I soaked his kibble and hand fed him while he was sitting .  He got aspiration pneumonia and died while at his other house.  You might try the hand feeding while he is sitting so you can avoid the aspiration.  Maybe an elevated water dish might help..... 

Best WIshes,

Darcy

I agree with feeding the dog from an elevated dish, and allowing him to drink from an elevated dish. Both are time-proven methods to deal with a dog who has this condition. As far as high activity training, he may never be able to enjoy that. But he should be able to enjoy other things and of course you can enjoy him. I agree that it is heartbreaking, especially when he is otherwise a fine dog.

Best Regards,

Bob-O

thanks,....I do hand feed sometimes and he does have elevated food and water.  I also have him sleeping in a harness on a bed that keeps his head and chest higher than his hindquarters.  I took awhile to get him used to that!

I just wish there was some answer for this awful physical problem....some surgical answer maybe.  But no vet I talk to ever comes up with an answer.

He's been tested for Myasthenia Gravis and for Addisons disease.  Negative on both counts.

Sharon

along with feeding him elevated.. make sure it is mushy..  and then once he is done eating..  get his front feet up on you and "waltz" with him for 4 or 5 minutes..   this will also aid in getting the food down..  I have found that the elevated  feeding stations are not high enough.. if you can feed him up on a small step ladder.. so he is more up right and the front feet are also off the ground..   good luck with him  .. and i hope you get him stablized so you can get back to work ! and fun..  

This may help you:

http://www.geocities.com/bailey_chair/

I have heard of very good success with this and the people are very nice.

Kelly