Unfortunately, with or without treatment, most pets with megaesophagus have a poor prognosis. The potential for complications is quite high.
Malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia are the leading causes of death
.
What is the life expectancy of a dog with megaesophagus?
However, patients with severe ME may develop weight loss, weakness and often complicated aspiration pneumonia (AP) [3, 5]. The prognosis of ME is poor, and the median survival time has been reported to
be 90 days in dogs
[7].
Is megaesophagus curable?
Megaesophagus is one of its classical signs though general skeletal muscle weakness is frequently associated. This
condition is treatable and often resolvable
but special testing is needed to confirm it. Approximately 25% of dogs with acquired megaesophagus have myasthenia gravis.
Can dogs live a long life with megaesophagus?
But, you ought to know, it likely will require a change in lifestyle for you and your dog.
Megaesophagus dogs still can live a quality and happy lives
with the support, help, and care of their owners.
Should you euthanize a dog with megaesophagus?
When canine megaesophagus is first diagnosed, many pet owners are quick to consider euthanasia. In many situations, however, that is
simply not necessary and there are alternatives
. With a little bit of effort and a lot of awareness, many pets with megaesophagus can go on to live many quality years.
Is megaesophagus in dogs painful?
In some individuals, you can actually see a bulging of the esophagus at the base of the neck, and
touching that area may be painful
. These pets may act hungry but then pick at their food to avoid the coughing and gagging they associate with eating. signs of pneumonia from aspirating food and/or liquid, including: fever.
Can dogs recover from megaesophagus?
Recovery of Megaesophagus in Dogs
Your
dog can live a relatively normal life with megaesophagus
if the disease was detected early and appropriate feeding techniques are being used. Also, you must learn to recognize the signs of aspiration pneumonia and seek immediate treatment when it occurs.
How did my dog get megaesophagus?
Acquired megaesophagus is often the result of
specific nervous system diseases
(such as myasthenia gravis and Addison’s disease), though a variety of other conditions have been associated with it (hypothyroidism and laryngeal paralysis, in particular).
How do megaesophagus dogs drink water?
Some dogs are unable to drink water normally because they regurgitate it.
Adding water in the food can be helpful
. Knox Blocks may be another way of supplementing fluid intake; Thicks It or Thick ‘n’ Easy powder can be added to water to make it easier for those dogs to drink.
Do dogs with megaesophagus cough?
The owner of the megaesophagus dog must be vigilant for
cough
, listlessness, appetite loss, and/or nasal discharge. It is common for the megaesophagus patient to experience multiple episodes of aspiration pneumonia; it is an on-going problem and on-going concern as long as the megaesophagus is present.
Is megaesophagus reversible?
One form of
primary megaesophagus can be corrected with surgery
. This can usually be differentiated on x-ray. Other forms are not curable, but the dogs can be kept healthy by lifetime elevated feedings.
Can megaesophagus be temporary?
Temporary iatrogenic megaesophagus may occur
after sedation
with α
2
-adrenergic agonists, such as detomidine.
What should I feed my dog with megaesophagus?
Options to try include
meatballs of canned or homemade dog food
, a thin slurry of food and water, a thicker gruel, and thoroughly soaked kibble. When dogs are unable to keep down enough liquid to meet their needs, they can be supplemented with gelatin squares (often called “Knox blocks”) or subcutaneous fluids.
What is a Bailey chair?
A Bailey chair is
a piece of equipment designed to help dogs with megaesophagus
. These dogs have a weakness in their gullet (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach) which means food tends to collect there and not pass down into the gut.
How does Viagra help megaesophagus?
Sildenafil is an oral tablet that may be used to treat dogs with megaesophagus. This drug is
given twice daily to relax the lower esophageal sphincter
, allowing food to pass more easily from the esophagus into the stomach.
How much does megaesophagus surgery cost?
For the initial visit and a VFSS, the cost is approximately $400 to $500. The pneumatic balloon dilation and Botox treatment is about $1,500 to $1,600. Surgery, if indicated, would cost an
additional $3,000 to $4,000
(assuming no complications).
