MegaE & Me!

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

   For those of you who don't know, I have two Goldendoodles with a condition called megaesophagus. Megaesopgagus is a condition in which the muscles of the esophagus do not do their job correctly. In a normal esophagus, the muscles push anything that is ingested to the stomach. When a dog has MegaE, the muscles are damaged or did not properly form. They become like a latex balloon that has been blown up and had the air let out of it several times (soggy). Therefore, they create pockets along the esophagus that traps food and water. The muscles aren't strong enough to push it down to the stomach. Because the food gets stuck in these pockets, it often causes a dog with MegaE to regurgitate nearly every time something is ingested. The regurgitation often leads to Aspiration pneumonia, which if not caught and treated properly can cause death.    Some forms of MegaE can be treated with medication, some by elevating their bowls, some require feeding tubes, and some require special diets. Other utilize a combination of some or all of the above!
A great invention that has saved many MegaE dogs and allowed them to live a somewhat normal life, is the Bailey Chair. This is a special chair that was designed to allow the dog to eat and remain in a vertical position. This allows gravity to help pull the food to their stomachs since the muscles cannot. Some dogs remain in their Bailey Chair for 45 minutes after each feeding.
  In my case, we have Stetson who is 3. He was only diagnosed in July, but has been fighting this since he was born. I spent many nights crying, holding and petting him not knowing what was wrong with my poor baby. We took him to three vets, none of which ever suggested megaesophagus. (Very few vets are informed about it and often suggest euthanasia.) We assumed it was a food allergy and changed his diet more times than I can count. As he grew older, the regurgitation seemed to be less and we noticed that as long as he laid down after eating, he was generally ok. We also limited his water intake.
  Then came Willie. I got a phone call asking me if I wanted a dog with a condition called megaesophagus, if not he was going to be pts. I had no idea what it was so I did some research and was referred to a lady named Susan who helps dogs with this condition. I talked to her and she pointed me in the direction of an amazing support group on Facebook. We heard about these Bailey Chairs. Susan, I found out, sells and donates custom Bailey Chairs. She has a business out of her home called Bailey Chairs 4 Dogs (.com if you'd like to see more). For each chair that is purchased, one is donated. She helped us build Willie's first chair by guiding us and sharing information we needed in order to do so. 
  I started selling hand made collars, leashes, bracelets and keychains in order to raise money to donate to this incredible organization. (Paracord for pets on Facebook) I have donated three specific chairs and sent random donations to put toward others.
  My husband built Willie's first Bailey Chair. It pretty much stopped all regurgitation and he has grown into a big, 7 month old doodle. Recently, he outgrew his chair and has been regurgitating nearly every time he eats or drinks. Susan kindly offered to donate Willie's big boy chair. Willie's chair will be on it's way here and hopefully he will be able to go back to being regurgitation free!

www.facebook.com/baileychairs4dogs

www.facebook.com/paracordforpets

www.baileychairws4dogs.com

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Amen!

[Lynda Kamrath]

I totally agree with you about finding what makes you happy and going for it.  My DH and I always comment on what a difference our dogs make in our lives.  We are both retired but keep busy constantly.  He has his workshop and wood and I have my gardens and dogs.  With wood, gardening, and dogs, we manage to keep very busy.  I can sure understand where you come from with all the occupational frustration.  We talk about that frequently.  My DH has a degree in Education but worked many years in Recreation.  I have a degree in Recreation but worked many years in Education.  What goes around, comes around. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I have been following Bailey Chairs on Facebook-wonderful work by these kind and generous people.

[Wendy and Myla]

That is an amazing story!  Stetson and Willie are so lucky to have you!  Thank you for explaining MegaE so well - I have read about it here on DK but didn't really undertand it! 

[Pat and Traveler]

Thank you for taking such good care of these sweet, ill dogs!

[F, Calla & Luca]

It is so wonderful that you have been able to care for these dogs and that they are thriving. Congenital megaesophagus is usually a problem with nerves to the esophagus rate her than the muscles per se. Here is a good explanatory article for those who want to know more about the various causes.
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-enlarged-esophagus-megaesophagus

[F, Calla & Luca]

: )

[Gail and Bailey]

You are amazing Kate!  Years ago I had a Bedlington Terrier with MegaE and there was no such thing as Bailey chairs back then.  It is a true act of love to take care of these special babies!  I admire you!  I will be sure to make a donation to the cause!

[Christine & Camus]

Kate,  You are amazing! Two kids, two dogs with MegaE, a husband, and volunteer work, Yikes!  It is heart warming to hear that you have adopted a second dog with MegaE. Nietzsche was my MegaE doodle, but due to medical complications beyond MegaE he could not be saved and I miss him still.  I also had a similar experience with a vet that was unable to diagnosis Nietzsche and just prescribing all types of medication that made his condition worse.  

[Leslie and Halas]

I follow Bailey Chairs on FB, too.  I'm sure I started after seeing something you posted in the DRC group.  They seem like a great organization.  Bless you for all that you do for doodles and other MegaE dogs.

Even though it is causing problems for him, Willie looks pretty adorable hanging out in his too-small chair.  I hope his big boy chair gets him back on track.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Willie is adorable.

[Camilla and Darwin]

You are amazing Kate, what more can be said? Amazing.