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Megaesophagus
Below is some
information from one of our past fosters who cared for one of our dogs
for years with this illness. She would do it all again if given
the chance. Don't let this scare you away form accepting Lesha
into your home and showing her the love she craves!
Megaesophagus as known as mega-e
What is Megaesophagus also seen as mega-e is a condition most often
seen in either very young puppies (evident once they are moved to
solid foods) or in older dogs as a secondary condition of another
ailment (thyroid problems are common). Food /water travels into the
esophagus, but does not move into the stomach. The food will sit
there, and eventually the dog will tip his head down and out comes
the food. The esophagus becomes enlarged, further compounding the
problem.
Carrying for a mega-e dog is workable and trainable, meaning, a dog
with mega-e, must be fed elevated. This is all trial and error on
finding the right height for the dog and consistency of food.
Elevate dog's food and water. By elevate, I mean so their front feet
are off the floor and resting up on the surface where the food/water
is.
A stool works well, or even using stairs can work. When they have
finished eating or drinking they must stay elevated for 5-15 min
(again trial and error here). My foster dog was trained to stay
standing on a chair until the buzzer went off. He was also trained,
if he started to regurgitate to hop up on his chair.
Food: Many have found that if
the food is mixed in a blender to an oatmeal consistency that this
works well. This way the dog is getting his/her water also. Then
there is the right amount to feed your dog, small amounts work best
several times a day. Again this is trial and error.
Medical: The most common side effects medically in mega-e
dogs is aspiration pneumonia. Look for signs of couching, elevated
temperature, labored breathing. Get the dog to the vet for x-rays.
Make sure when looking for a vet that you ask them if they have had
experience with mega-e dogs, if not stay away as well as emergency
vet. (picking the right Dr for your child)
There is no cure for mega-e, there are some surgery types that would
tighten the esophagus, just a temp fix.
Dogs with mega -e will always be hungry. I found myself putting baby
locks on my cabinets, bread kept up high out of reach.
I can almost say it is like having a toddler around all the time.
May I say there is a wonderful support group on Yahoo called mega-e,
you are not alone in this.
Remember that Mega-e dogs can live a full
life it takes patience and consistency in this.
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