Regurgitation!

Hi there!

I have an 11 month old Bernese named Wylie who was diagnosed with Psychogenic Polydipsia several months ago. We are limiting his water intake according to his weight as per our Vet's advice, and while it's a pain because where ever we go he is SO desperate for water, it's manageable.

My issue is his regurgitation. Wylie will regurgitate at LEAST 3 times a week, just water + mucous. We've tried slowing down his drinking, giving him only a tiny bit of water at a time, putting his water up, putting it down, giving it warmer, giving it colder and NOTHING, NOTHING works!

We've also tried Pepsid AC and just yesterday started with Reglan.

So far I've seen no difference with the Reglan, of course it's early, but I don't anticipate seeing any change at all.

What else can I try?! What could be making him do this?! Help!

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

I am very sorry about your dog!

This is a most complex issue, best dealt with at a veterinary teaching hospital, where consultation with internal medical vets, veterinary neurologists,  and other veterinary specialist could work together to solve these complex problems afflicting your dog.

Your dog may have congenital abnormalities, such as a problem with his pituitary, or a portosystemic shunt in his liver, and of course, megaesophagus in a young dog may be an inherited condition.  

X-Rays with or without barium could show megaesophagus, or an enlarged liver.  An enlarged liver on X-Ray may indicate hepatic encephalopathy, due to a portosystemic shunt.  Ultrasound could also show abdominal or other abnormalities.  The vomiting may be due to megaesophagus, the liver shunt, or a problem originating in the brain.  A pituitary problem could account for the polydipsia.

Lastly,  I would discuss these problems with the breeder to see if there is a history of congenital problems in the breeding lines of either parent.