How To There is care for a dog with Megaesophagus.
There are ways to make having a dog with megaesophagus easier.When a dog's esophagus is larger than normal it can cause food to get stuck in it.Changing how you feed your dog can be used to care for it.
Step 1: Place your dog's food bowl over it to help it swallow.
Put your dog's food above the floor to let gravity push it down.The bowl can be placed on a step ladder or a low bench.If you want your dog to eat out of a raised bowl, increase the height gradually for a few days.Place your dog's front feet on a step stool or blocks for assistance.It will be easier for your dog to swallow if they are elevated.A 45-90 angle to the ground is the ideal angle for your dog's neck and spine.
Step 2: After eating, keep your dog upright.
Don't allow your dog to lie down for the next 20 to 30 minutes, since that's how long it takes food to get to the stomach.Allow gravity to help finish the digestion process by having your dog sit upright or stand.If you want your dog to be more comfortable, place it on a couple of pillows or blankets.You can train it to sit or stand when you're not around.
Step 3: It is easier to digest wet or liquid food.
You can give your dog food in liquid form or in a consistency.The wet food your dog will be able to eat is high in calories.Look at the food label and ingredients to make sure it has the same nutrition and calories as your dog's dry food diet.If you want to make your own "liquid" food, you can put wet dog food in a blender and process it until it's smooth.Large chunks of food can get stuck in the dog's stomach.It is a good idea to talk to your dog's vet to see if wet or liquid food is the right option since it can cause aspiration pneumonia.
Step 4: Smaller meals are given to your dog each day.
Feed your dog multiple small meals because they have difficulty eating large meals.They will benefit from divvying up their daily food into smaller portions.Feed your dog small meals at the same time each day so it gets used to it.To give your dog time to digest each meal, space out the feedings throughout the day.
Step 5: Your dog should be given antacids to help with nausea.
Feed your dog an antacid after each meal to fight stomach acids.There are many over-the-counter types of acid neutralizers.Talk to your vet before giving your dog any medication.If necessary, they can prescribe stronger antacids.
Step 6: If you want to strengthen the esophagus, you should ask your vet for a pro-motility drug.
If you use a drug that increases muscle tone, like metoclopramide, cisapride, or erythromycin, you can prevent food from being swallowed.If you want to use these drugs, you need a prescription, so talk to your vet about coming up with a treatment and dosage plan.If your dog has an oral medication, make sure they drink after.There are dangers to taking pills that get stuck.After taking oral medication, keep your dog's head elevated.
Step 7: If your dog can't eat on its own, you should get a feeding tube.
If your dog is struggling to keep food down, you can have a feeding tube inserted into his stomach.Feeding tubes require a lot of work on the owner's part, so make sure you're ready for the commitment first.It can improve your dog's quality of life and help them live longer.Before using a feeding tube, liquidize the food.After each meal, flush the tube with water.The tube should be kept as clean as possible to prevent infections.
Step 8: If your dog can't have a feeding tube, you should have it have surgery.
If your dog's stomach is damaged, you can have a stomach tube inserted.Discuss the option of surgery with your vet and ask for recommendations for killed thoracic surgeons to perform the procedure.Carefully review the risks and post-surgery care procedures with your vet so you feel confident going into the surgery.Depending on how long your dog needs to be in the animal hospital, the cost of surgery can be thousands of dollars.
Step 9: There is a chance that your dog has frequent regurgitation after eating.
If your dog vomits after eating, it's a sign of megaesophagus, which is the primary symptom.It happens less than an hour after eating.
Step 10: If you notice that your dog is losing weight, watch it.
If your dog isn't getting enough food down its throat and into its stomach, it may be due to megaesophagus.If a dog's ribs are visible, you can see if it is losing weight.Increased exercise or a lack of appetite could be causing weight loss.If you want to weigh your dog at home, weigh yourself first.To get the dog's weight, subtract the weight of both of you.
Step 11: Look for signs of aspiration pneumonia, like coughing or sluggishness.
Aspiration pneumonia is one of the most common conditions caused by megaesophagus.If your dog has a persistent cough or labored breathing, you should keep an eye out for it.There is a cough that sounds wet and rattle-like.There are other signs that include afever or decreased interest in food.Take your dog to the vet if you see any of the symptoms.
Step 12: You can get a chest x-ray.
Take your dog to the vet and ask them to run a diagnostic test.Look at the results with your vet to see if there is an enlarged esophagus, aspiration pneumonia, or debris in the esophagus.An x-ray can cost between $80 and $200, while an ultrasound costs between $300 and $500.
Step 13: Do you know what type of megaesophagus your dog has?
There are two different types of megaesophagus, congenital and acquired, which affect older dogs.Determine which dog you have based on how old it is.Ask your vet for a professional opinion.It is important to know the type because it can affect the treatment method you choose.