Hi, I've been lurking here for a few days. Found a lot of good advice.
My 10 wk. old female GSD my have Megaesophagus. I found out yesterday one of her litter mates had surgery to correct this condition. He was not thriving.
My pup is gaining weight and able to eat as long as I make a slurry out of canned food. Water is has not been a problem.
Honestly, I do not trust most vets, had some real bad experiences years ago. The advice yesterday was to go to a specialist or just continue feeding the slurried food. I don't have a problem doing the food, but I don't want her suffering or getting worse if the condition is left alone.
The info I've found on the web never mentions surgery, only elevated feeding bowls. Can pups grow out of this, or is it a lifetime condition?
She is a companion dog, never intended for anything but home & love. I want to do what's right for her. The breeder offered to take her back, but I'm in love with her.
Thanks,
Jackie
Hello Jackie,
Firstly let me say that I am sorry for everything you will have to go through with the whole situation if it is indeed Megaesophagus. Ask your vet what tests they do to diagnose this disorder, and what is the suitable method for your pup. Then, if it turns out that your pup is affected, please be human enough to do the "right thing" regardless of how hard that may be. Megaesophagus is a genetic affliction that holds little regard for martyrs. 90% of the time the dog's life can be extended only for a short time, allowing you and it's family to only become more attached, adding to the emotional trauma in the end. If your pup is affected, do you really want to watch that poor darling starve to death?
The breeder has offered to replace the pup and I would strongly urge you to consider this.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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....Then, if it turns out that your pup is affected, please be human enough to do the "right thing" regardless of how hard that may be. Megaesophagus is a genetic affliction that holds little regard for martyrs. 90% of the time the dog's life can be extended only for a short time, allowing you and it's family to only become more attached, adding to the emotional trauma in the end......
I would like to add that everything I have read about this condition would lead me to agree with this.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Jennifer from this board has a mega pup. There are all different degrees of the condition. She is 6 or 7 now and is a top agility dog. This is her.....
I have not read enough, obviously. I appreciate your post. Until now, all that I had learned about this was gloomy indeed. I stand corrected, and gladly.
Congratulations to Jennifer and her dog!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> You have a dog that falls into the 10% that are lucky enough to not have a case that gets severe!
Jan Williamson Webboard User Reg: 08-10-2005
Posts: 483
Loc: NE Pennsylvania
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Just another note on this. My daughter's lab has "big throat". She was diagnosed as a puppy and she is now 4 years old. We were told she wouldn't make it to six months. My daughter did a lot of research and, together with her vet, Kira is doing very well. She will never be cured, there is no surgery to fix it, and her life will most probably be shortened. However, the time we have had and the time left to us has been well worth the trying times and the expense. Jackie, I will pm you with some "tricks" we have learned, but the most severe problem with megaE is pneumonia. A lot of the food, not all by any means, stays in the "throat" and some of this does slip into the lungs. This is where pneumonia can set in. The most ironic thing with Kira is that we have seen her through so many episodes, but we almost lost her to lepto! Another reason not to vaccinate!!
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