Megaesophagus:::What is Canine Megaesophagus?:::

What prompted your visit to this page?
I think my dog may have mega-e.
I think my dog may have myasthenia gravis.
My dog was dx'd with congenital mega-e, and I need to learn more.
My dog was dx'd with idiopathic mega-e, and I need to learn more.
My dog was dx'd with mega-e, and mega-e is secondary to another illness.
My dog was dx'd with myasthenia gravis, and I need to learn more.
My dog is experiencing symptoms of aspiration pneumonia, and I need to learn more.
My dog has received excellent care, has mega-e, and is a survivor of 1 year.
My dog has received excellent care, has mega-e, and is a survivor of 2 yrs.
My dog has received excellent care, has mega-e, and is a survivor of 3 yrs.
My dog has received excellent care, has mega-e, and is a survivor of 4 yrs.
My dog has received excellent care, has mega-e, and is a survivor of 5 yrs.
My dog has received excellent care, has mega-e, and is a survivor of 6 or more yrs.
I found this page informative, and would like to share this information with my Vet.
I am a Vet. Sci. major, and I am researching megaesophagus.
I am employed as a Vet. Tech. and will consider telling others about this website.
I am a DVM who has a client that I have just diagnosed with megaesophagus.
I am a DVM and my client asked that I visit this page.
I am a GI Specialist, and I have a client to whom this info. page may be useful.

Three Surveys Have Been Created:

Out of genuine concern & realization that a way must be found to help encourage the scientific community to grant further research funding for Megaesophagus & Myasthenia Gravis.

To help 'discovery' be obtained that these dogs are living proof that being diagnosed with Megaesophagus is not a death sentence -- they can and do live well beyond the estimated 'guarded prognosis' lifespan -- with proper care.

To ascertain whether or not fewer dogs in more recent times may be euthanized due to Megaesophagus than may have been calculated in the past. (Locate statistic, source, year)

To hopefully recognize that there may be more dogs dx'd as having either Megaesophagus and/or Myasthenia Gravis than has been previously reported.

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Please checkmark all that apply, answering honestly.

Thank You!

Note: The date within each survey auto updates each time this page is updated. A creation date notation has been made below each survey.) All answers are exclusively confidential to you as the contributor.

Megaesophagus Survey

Method(s) Used to Determine Diagnosis

~ Please include all that apply ~

Survey created 01 January 2008

Survey created 06 September 2006

Before reading the text and viewing the x-rays, please understand that

esophageal achalasia is considered by some to be a rare occurrence,

and to be the rarest of all esophageal abnormalities.

However, there seems to be a faction of the veterinary who may commonly refer to megaesophagus as achalasia.

The x-ray studies of the esophagus are shown

closer to the bottom of

the page.

Understanding "Regurge"

Regurge may signal

weak esophagus

GRAVITY is GRrrr-eat!

Achalasia or Megaesophagus?

CAVM Therapies

Complimentary & Alternative Veterinary Medicine

CAVM 'integrative' type possibilities for therapy could include one or a combination of: acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and nutritional therapy.

Acupressure

Acupuncture *1

Acupuncture *2

Herbology

Homeopathy

Naturopathy

VOM (Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation)

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

TCVM (Traditional Chinese Vet Medicine)

Pet Massage

WSAVA Acupuncture/Megaesophagus

Academy of Veterinary Homeopaths (Referral Search)

Veterinary Botanical Medical Association

Long Island Health Associates (Megaesophagus/Achalasia)

AVHMA

Exploration of alternative

& complementary areas

of health care in veterinary medicine

American Veterinary Chiropractic Association

International Veterinary Acupuncture Society

Clinical Conditions Related to MegaE

Human Achalasia = esophageal hypomotility, increased LESP

(meaning Lower Esophageal Pressure)

Canine Megaesophagus = esophageal hypomotility, sometimes

increased LESP, sometimes decreased LESP

Surgery, Human Achalasia:

(Laproscopic) Cardioplasty, Roux-en-Y partial gastrectomy

(also thoracoscopic)

Esophageal Achalasia Related Photos

Hellers Myotomy

Fundoplication (dor) (toupet/birdbeaked E/dilated Sigmoid)

Esophageal Dilatation

Esophagocardiomyotomy

Esophagectomy

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Surgery, Canine Megaesophagus:

Balloon dilation (stricture), n(diaphragmatic herniation), n(hiatal herniation), n(PRAA)

esophagopexy, gastropexy

Anesthesia also requires special measures in Megaesophagus dogs.

Note: Sometimes while a dog is under anesthesia for surgery, gastric reflux can cause stomach acids to pool in the esophagus -- this can lead to Megaesophagus.

It is important to never force feed a megaesophagus dog. Force feeding could easily increase the chance of ASPIRATION.

Symptoms that can indicate Megaesophagus

(Megaesophagus ~plus~related disorders)

Find a specialist near you and emergency critical care near you have been moved to:

This info has been moved to http://cmerpmegaesupport.activeboard.com/index.spark

Basic FAQs:

This info has been moved to http://cmerpmegaesupport.activeboard.com/index.spark

Megaesophagus Support Group

Understanding Digestive Health

-- Focus words are in boldface green

"A healthy gastrointestinal system is key for overall health. Its primary role in nutrient digestion and absorption is essential for fueling the body. It is also critical for immune function, as it is estimated that three quarters of the body's immune cells are found there. In addition, the GI tract is home to more than 400 species of microflora that maintain optimal immune defense and gut function. The gut also acts as a barrier, minimizing the amount of ingested toxins and allergens that pass into the bloodstream.

Last but not least, for individuals experiencing occasional heartburn, indigestion or constipation, GI function can significantly impact quality of life. " Source: Human Med.

Reflux can be secondary to food allergy!

Megaesophagus patients are highly prone to H. Pylori infections.

"Patients with HP have increased permeability of the gastric mucosa and so are potentially exposed to unprocessed antigens from food. This might predispose to immune problems. H.pylori antibodies cross react with several tissues in the GUT so autoimmune states are possible with H.pylori. " Source

Immune System Function by N. Holmes, Cambridge

General Article Gastrointestinal Repair Nutrients

(Source list: (1) (to be continued)

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Diagnosis and Management

Canine Oesophageal Disease & Regurgitation

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Selected Neurologic Diseases

Signs of Cranial Nerve Dysfunction

R.M. Clemmons, DVM, PhD

GI Disorders by Fred Lanting

Congenital Megaesophagus (Pet Edu.)

Idiopathic Megaesophagus by R. Washabau

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Diseases of the Esophagus (WSAVA 2002)

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Megaesophagus by Michelle Brooks

Megaesophagus in Dogs by Dr. Mike Richards

What Breeders Need to Know by C. McFadden

Washington State Anatomy Illustrations

System: Canine Digestive

System: Canine Respiratory

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Upper Alimentary Tract (Tuskegee)

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Anatomy of a Carnivore by L. Olsen, B Naturals

Human Anatomy: Esophagus

Test Your Knowledge (Questions & Answers)

It is better to light one candle . . . . . . than to curse the darkness.

canine megaesophagus Education & Research project (cmERp)

Homeopathy

Dr. Blakey, DVM wrote an excellent article which was featured in Whole Dog Journal's March 1999 issue. You will need to place an order (become a member) in order to view

Dr. Blakey's article, Answers from Experts 03/99

Neck/Thorax radiograph illustrating

a megaesophagus

FACT

Food contains both nutrients & toxins. Toxins: food additives, pesticides, or even a specific food or foods that induce a negative reaction in the GI tract. Accessory glands (liver & pancreas) provide the majority of digestive enzymes with the liver specifically processing food molecules absorbed through the lower intestines.

Source

To Learn More

About Digestive Health as it relates to Megaesophagus, about food choices and nutritional concerns, you may wish to visit:

Feeding & Nutrition Tips

Western Medicine - Diagnostics

Tests may include:

Routine hematology, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis

Complete thyroid panel

Radiographs of neck & thorax (See: Radiographic Variances)

Esophagram or "Barium Swallow, possibly flouroscopy

(contrast radiography & fluoroscopy are used if plain X-rays were not helpful to confirm dx, evaluate motility, & exclude foreign bodies or obstruction,)

Endoscopic Exam

(to look at the mucosa & identify reflux related mucosal damage, or hopefully, lack of same).

Electromyography (EMG)

Nerve conduction velocity (NCV),

Muscle and nerve biopsy,

Repetitive nerve stimulation & tensilon testing,

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis

Anti-Acetylcholine antibodies test (ACTH Stim test/Addisons)

In many cases drinking must be aided. Here is a video of assisted drinking with the dog in a Bailey Chair. Please listen to the sounds

Does your dog do this? If so, your dog may have Megaesophagus.

Vocabulary:

em·e·sis (m-ss): n. pl. em·e·ses (-sz)

The act of vomiting.

Tale of Two Cockers

JAX ~&~ ODIE

Second Chances

Megaesophagus:

Heartbreak & a Happy Ending

Megae/Other Resources:

Mich Vet

http://michvet.com/library/medicine_megaesophagus.asp