Megaesophagus

Poor Murphy has been diagnosed with megaesophagus (enlargement/loss of function of the oesophagus).   It has been developing for a while and has now become quite acute.   The main symptom is inability to get food or drink into the stomach, in that he regurgitates more and more.     Have read lots on websites and some people have found that creating a special chair or seat in which their dogs are strapped so that you can feed them upright and rely on gravity to take over the job of getting food and drink into the stomach.     Murphy had back surgery last year and this position is quite difficult for him; so far we are relying on one holding him upright on the sofa and the other one hand feeding him with a mix of ground biscuits and high nutrition paste from the vet, made into little balls that you just chuck down his throat - just a bit a few times a day.    Vets have prescribed Emipred (to stop vomiting) and Zantac (to dilute the acid) but yesterday everything failed and he kept very little down     So, has anyone any experience of this horrible disease ?   If so, any ideas or fresh thoughts on treatment ?     Getting desperate and would appreciate any input.

Oh dear Wendy, that sounds awful, have you tried using a raised feeding bowl, maybe something like this:

http://www.petzilla.co.uk/classic-high-stand-feeder-1-6l-dish.html?gclid=CJ-4wfOz3b4CFaMSwwodHnAABA

Yes thanks Kathy, he's had this for some time.

I had never heard of this disease so I'm sure my googlings lag far behind your own investigations. However, this website (http://www.caninemegaesophagus.org/) seems to suggest that the elevated bowl is not a good idea as it's not at the right height for gravity to do its work. Sorry Murphy is having a hard time. I do hope you're able to manage his condition.

Thanks Douglas, it seems that no bowls are suitable really now as Murphy would need to bend forward to eat from them, so we'll keep trying our sit up and beg method - he enjoys the extra cuddles anyway.   The worst thing is denying him water as that seems worse than food for regurgitation - he just stands looking at where his bowl was.  Have made some stock cubes with gelatine this morning and will try these with the food later.  thanks for your good wishes.

That does sound awful poor baby, hope you can find something that helps xxx

And the Bailey Chair? That seems to be a good idea, have you tried it?


I know the dog would be heavy for lifting in, but I wonder if there would be a way to encourage him to walk forward into it while it's horizontal, and then to rock the box backwards (pivot) on its back edge so that he is then in the upright position that he needs to be in for feeding/drinking? Poor boy.

Thanks Doug, yes we have researched this chair and are considering either this or a home-made version.    Because of his "bionic" back, just not sure if Murphy could maintain a "sit" for the required length of time without more support.      He ate better yesterday and a different drug is awaiting us at the vets.  So here's hoping !   Thanks for your interest.

Knowing that there is no cure for this condition, and watching him get worse and worse, yesterday we decided he should go to sleep.   All very sad here.  Thanks for your support.

Oh no Wendy, so sorry to read this, I'm sure you did the best for Murphy for as long as you could.

We are sending big hugs for you   

Please feel free to have a rant when ever you need to     

Sometimes, if you love your dog, you have to let him go. Very sorry to hear.

So sorry to hear this Wendy   

Thanks Jules,your lovely Ledger looks a lot like my Murphy, but he was all black.   They're such wonderful dogs it's heartbreaking when they go.

Thanks Douglas, it's never easy but it was time for him sadly.

So very sad for you Wendy. My thoughts are with you x

Thank you Annie, they give us so much joy when they're here - and as they say it's better to have loved and lost.............

My thoughts are with you all xx

So sorry to read this.
I think you've done the right thing.

I'm so sorry to hear this, sometimes we have to make hard choices for the best   xx

Sad to hear this. Love is painful sometimes - thinking of you at this sad time  

So sorry to hear this news and we know how hard it can be to make the decision you had to make but sometimes it is for the best. Hugs to you.