Liquid Diet For Dogs With Megaesophagus

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.

Liquid diet for dogs with megaesophagus.

If dogs are fed by mouth they should feed in an upright position and remain in that position for up to 20 minutes after a meal to allow gravity to assist the movement of food and liquid into their stomachs. 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. This is best accomplished by training dogs to use a bailey chair. When all else fails a permanent feeding tube can be inserted into the dog s stomach through which owners can administer food and water.

Regurgitation is the most common sign of megaesophagus. Individual dogs may do better with kibble canned or liquid diet because of altered swallowing or motility related to their disease. Megaesophagus may be genetic especially if seen in puppies. You can also switch out dry food with a liquid food which is easier to digest.

There are two types of megaesophagus. When esophageal motility is decreased or absent food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus and have difficulty getting into the stomach. 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. 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.