megaesophagus

by paula
(spokane, WA,usa)

My dog - older golden retriever 14 yrs old- has just been diagnosed with megaesophagus. Any suggestions on a good quality food to feed her where she will get the most nutrition benefit that she needs?

thanks


Hi Paula

Megaeosophagus is a disease where the normal muscular movements of the osophagus is not working properly. For some reason the muscles is paralysed and the tube becomes more "relaxed".

Megaosophagus means "big osophagus" and this refers to the gradual increase in its seize because of food impaction. One of the signs is vomiting of food after a meal, as it can't pass though to the stomach.

So, the most important thing you can do is to help the food passing the osophagus. This is best done if you instead feeding from ground level, place the food bowl slightly higher up from the ground. How much depends on the breed but in you case 50cm (around 2 feet).

This make the gravity work with us and not against us.

Very important.

So, feed your regular food and see how she cope. If necessary you can add some water, make it slightly softer. This will help the transport greatly.

Well, do not make it like water!! Soften the food as needed. If too thin, it may enter to the lungs instead!

Most of the commercial dog foods are OK to use. Canned food is properly more easy to use and I would prefere this to pellets.

Sincerely

DVM Per Schonbeck