Individual dogs may do better with kibble canned or liquid diet because of altered swallowing or motility related to their disease.
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.
Megaesophagus is a disorder in which the esophagus dilates and loses motility.
You can also switch out dry food with a liquid food which is easier to digest.
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.
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.
This is best accomplished by training dogs to use a bailey chair.
Megaesophagus may be genetic especially if seen in puppies.
When esophageal motility is decreased or absent food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus and have difficulty getting into the stomach.
Megaesophagus is a serious problem in dogs that affects their ability to swallow and keep food down.
Regurgitation is the most common sign 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.
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.