Liquid Diet For Dogs With Megaesophagus

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.

Liquid diet for dogs with megaesophagus.

You can also switch out dry food with a liquid food which is easier to digest. Megaesophagus is a serious problem in dogs that affects their ability to swallow and keep food down. Megaesophagus may be genetic especially if seen in puppies. There are two types of megaesophagus.

A dog may lower its head to allow the food to slip out with little warning. 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. Megaesophagus is a disorder in which the esophagus dilates and loses motility.

Regurgitation is the most common sign of megaesophagus. 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. When esophageal motility is decreased or absent food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus and have difficulty getting into the stomach. This is best accomplished by training dogs to use a bailey chair.

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.