Megaesophagus

My dog is suffering from Megaesophagus.
Is there anything we can do about that ?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Has your dog been checked for the common diseases associated with megaesophagus?  These diseases are: Hypothyroid,  Myasthenia gravis, and Addison's Disease.  If your dog does not have these diseases than he probably has idiopathic megaesophagus which means that the cause can't be found.  Megaesophagus usually occurs in large breed dogs.  It is uncommon for it to occur in Yorkshire terrier's but is not unheard of.

Regardless, there are ways to control megaesophagus, but unfortunately, there is no cure.

1.  Do you know if your dog does better with a liquid or solid diet? You should test him yourself or have the vet perform the testing.  Some dogs can only have solid foods and that means that even water must only be given as ice chips or crushed ice or thickened.  Drug stores carry thickeners for humans with dysphagia such as: "Simply Thick or Thick It".  These thickeners can be added to any liquid, including broths and water to make a thick substance that may be suitable for your dog.  After it is determined whether solid or liquid is better for him than he must be fed accordingly.

2.  Feed from an elevation and try and keep him elevated for 15 to 20 minutes after eating.  This can be accomplished using a "Bailey Chair" (please google Bailey Chair for instructions on how to make one or check: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/megaesophagus/)

3.  Medications that may help with megaesophagus: Reglan, Bethanechol, antacids and anti-nausea medications. These should be prescribed by your veterinarian.

4.  Acupuncture and Chiropractic may also help (Please check the AVHMA website: www.ahvma.org/, or TCVM.com or google to find a vet who practices these modalities in your area).  

5.  Always make sure that aspirate pneumonia's are diagnosed and treated quickly.  Unfortunately, if you pets megaesophagus is severe he may develop aspirate pneumonia periodically.

6. A feeding tube which bypasses the esophagus is sometimes necessary.

7.  Your pet can still regurgitate saliva, causing coughing or choking if it passes into the trachea.

[JackABCD]

I have just recived an answer from the lab that it is negative for Megaesophagus.
Thank you