How to Treat Canine Esophageal Illness
The most common disorder affecting a dog's esophagus is a condition called megaesophagus. A dog affected by megaesophagus will have an esophagus that lacks the muscle control to push food to the stomach and will, instead, reject it and cause regurgitation. Also, the reflexes fail that normally stop breathing during swallowing. So, a dog with megaesophagus is at risk for aspirating on its food.
Instructions
-
-
1
Watch for vomiting. If you notice frequent regurgitation when your pet eats, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. He will need to use radiographic techniques, such as contrast studies involving barium, to determine what's going on. Endoscopy is another diagnostic route and involves the insertion of a tiny camera into your pet's esophagus. These tests can also reveal scarring and tumors.
-
2
Request a blood test if megaesophagus is present. The test will determine what disease is causing this. The possible diseases include myasthenia gravis, Addison's disease and possibly hypothyroidism. Research is on-going to confirm the association between hypothyroidism and megaesophagus. All of these conditions are treatable, although treatment for hypothyroidism does not usually correct megaesophagus.
-
-
3
Be prepared to consider surgery. If your pet's condition is caused by the "vascular ring anomaly," which is a constricting ring of fetal tissue that failed to re-absorb before birth, surgically cutting of the band will improve the condition. If the megaesophagus is caused by scarring--as from swallowing a foreign object or damage from vomiting--your vet will probably open the tightened area with the surgical insertion of a special balloon. Any obstructive tumors will be removed and biopsied.
-
4
Determine whether your pet fares better on liquid or solid food no matter what the cause of your pet's condition. Be sure your dog eats while standing, and keep him standing for at least 10 minutes after each meal. In severe cases, a feeding tube may be the best option.
-
5
Discuss medication with your vet. Your dog may benefit from medications that curb nausea, and antacids will prevent further damage to the esophagus. A drug called Reglan might help the functioning of a sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, and a drug called Cisapride may help lessen the frequency of regurgitation.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Great Danes, Irish setters and German shepherds are genetically prone to a less alarming version of megaesophagus that occurs in puppyhood. Often, the condition will improve with age.
Megaesophagus can often lead to the aspiration of food, which can lead in turn to aspiration pneumonia. Testing and treatment for this related condition should be part of any megaesophagus treatment plan.
