How to Care for a Dog With Megaesophagus

Brenden in his Bailey chair

Most people have probably not heard of a condition in dogs called megaesophagus. Yet, it is obviously more common than you would think, since the online megaesophasus support group has over 3,600 members. When first noticed, the probably usually appears to be a case of vomiting after eating, resulting in weight loss. When the pet is taken to the vet, however, an X-ray will show malformation of the esophagus: What was occurring was not vomiting of partially digested food, but rather regurgitating of food that had never reached the stomach, and was virtually in the same condition as when swallowed. Diagnosis of this condition can be scary, but it can be easy to handle, given a few guidelines. Unless a dog is very small when diagnosed, surgery will not help. Older dogs have to rely on gravity to accomplish absorption of food.

Things You'll Need

• smooth canned dog food, or dry food which has been soaked
• food processor
• Bailey chair

Instructions

Food Selection and How to Feed

1. A dog with megaesophagus cannot eat anything which is lumpy or has bits of things in it. The dog cannot have dog treats or table scraps. He can eat any canned food which is totally smooth, or dry food can be soaked in water overnight and pureed in a food processor with water to ensure a smooth consistency. The smoothness of the food is important, because any lumps are caught in the dog's esophagus and regurgitated later, which can lead to pneumonia. Food preparation is easy and takes a very short time.

2. Once you have food, determine how you want to feed the dog. A special chair can be used, called a Bailey chair, and plans for this can be obtained through the Megaesophagus Group online. (It can be made inexpensively with ordinary plywood, and at least one person in this group will make it for you if you cannot.) The Bailey chair keeps the dog upright, and lets food slide down into the stomach. It is easiest and neatest to feed the dog with a spoon, although in this position he can eat from a bowl. The other possibility is to have the dog (if large) stand at a counter or any other structure which has him stretched out at his full height when on hind legs. This works well too, but the Bailey chair is easier in that it forces the dog to stay upright. Some dogs may not want to stay "in position" at a counter, and do better in the chair.

3. It seems to work best to feed the dog three or four times a day, in smaller portions. The dog will eat the same volume of food any dog will. Since most Mega dogs are underweight, it may work best to feed them puppy food or something high in protein. The dog should be kept relatively quiet before and after feeding to avoid problems. In all other respects, Mega dogs are perfectly healthy, and can lead long, normal lives if precautions are taken.

Tips & Warnings

• For those who wish to read more or to obtain directions for making the Bailey chair, go to http://www.geocities.com/bailey_chair/