Canine MegaEsophagus

[Deborah Usry]

My GoldenDoodle has just been diagnosed with Canine Mega Esophagus. It can be pretty scary, but we have it pretty well managed at least for now. The specialist (in Richmond), who I like very much, said that our Doodles are prone to this condition -- that he's seeing more of it than the population would indicate. Have any of you Doodle lovers seen this in your dogs? (BTW, Canine MegaEsophagus is a condition whereby the dog has an enlarged esophagus which creates a condition that makes it difficult for dog food to easily travel down the esophagus, and so they regurgitate with some frequency.) In some cases, it can be easy to explain away, but is very serious.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am sorry to hear about your doodle. There have been several doodles posted for adoption with this condition. I don't know the exact numbers or if anyone on DK has one.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

I'm sorry to hear about your doodle's condition!  I am glad you are able to manage it.  I don't personally know anything about it & so far my doodles are okay.  Is it something that was diagnosed at a young age?  Or can they get it later?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Deborah, I am sorry your dog has been diagnosed with this condition.  I think we have had a couple of Doodles with it on here and I know a while back, there was one up for adoption. As I understand it, it can be controlled by having the dog eat in an upright position. I have seen some chairs made specifically to help the dog eat in this position. I hope your Doodle's condition can be easily managed. Please take care!!

[Deborah Usry]

Thanks for weighing in. Harry's condition is manageable, largely because we have been feeding him by hand, sitting up, and stretching his neck up, his entire life. Not because of the diagnosis, but because our obedience trainer suggested that hand feeding while the dogs are young helps build the initial bond. Who knew?

To look at him, he is a healthy, happy, energetic and of course goofy, 60 lbs Doodle -- who will go days without throwing up, and then throw up three times in one day. Apparently it tends to be genetic, but it can develop as they age. Some young dogs outgrow it. There is a fabulous support group on FB if you have questions, or think you know of a pup with the condition. It can be life threatening, and people go to extreme measures, but so far, Harry's condition is quite manageable. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so glad to hear that Harry is doing so well!  Our daughter had severe reflux and had to have a GT tube until age four and then a surgery to prevent her from aspirating into her lungs. We had to feed her in all kinds of weird positions, etc. before they put in the GT tube and wait long periods of time before feeding again. It used to seem like my whole day revolved around feeding that kid...LOL!  I think sometimes we just have to learn a new way of thinking about things and keep positive. I always told myself there are so many things that could have been worse!! He is adorable, BTW, and I love the name Harry!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am very happy to hear that you have it under control!  Like others, I have heard of it (I do think it is more rare) and seen the cool chairs they have designed. But it sounds like you have things under control.  Henry is adorable and I love his name.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I like the name Harry too. My dad was called Harry, his middle name.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Christine (of Christine and Camus) had adopted a labradoodle who was diagnosed with megaesophagus shortly after she adopted him. Nietzsche's condition was severe, and he did not survive due to complications. :(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Past discussion : http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/megaesophagus-1

PS: I'm so glad that Harry's condition is under control. Thank you for taking such good care of him.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Did the DRC have a doodle that used the bailey chair for this condition?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There was an owner-assisted rehome with mega-E, Scout.

Here's his old listing: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/18586618

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Karen, I recently saw Scout up for adoption again......it breaks my heart in a million pieces.  if I didn't have to work he would be mine in a second.

 

I am so sorry to hear about Harry, hugs to you both.