Liquid Diet For Dogs With Megaesophagus

Megaesophagus is a disorder in which the esophagus dilates and loses motility.

Liquid diet for dogs with megaesophagus.

When esophageal motility is decreased or absent food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus and have difficulty getting into the stomach. Megaesophagus may be genetic especially if seen in puppies. When all else fails a permanent feeding tube can be inserted into the dog s stomach through which owners can administer food and water. To care for a dog with megaesophagus try elevating the dog s food bowl several inches off the floor which can help dry food and kibble go down more easily.

This is best accomplished by training dogs to use a bailey chair. Megaesophagus is a serious problem in dogs that affects their ability to swallow and keep food down. In most cases however dogs with megaesophagus need to eat in a truly vertical position and remain upright for 20 30 minutes after a meal. A dog may lower its head to allow the food to slip out with little warning.

If an animal inhales the food or liquid from the esophagus into the lungs this can cause aspiration pneumonia thought to be the most serious complication of this disorder. There are two types of megaesophagus. Dilation of the esophagus can often be diagnosed by. Individual dogs may do better with kibble canned or liquid diet because of altered swallowing or motility related to their disease.

Special measures need to be taken by a dog owner to ensure a dog with megaesophagus is still able to eat and retain its food or this issue can be fatal due to side effects of the disease process.