Vertical Feeding:

The Vertical Feeding Position is the best feeding position for your dog with Megaesophagus. Not only will this position allow gravity to pull the food to your dog's stomach, but it is also the best chance you have in avoiding aspiration pneumonia. (There are no guarantees, as with anything in life but again, it's the best chance you have to prevent food or water from entering your dog's lungs and causing aspiration pneumonia.)

Here are some videos on YouTube showing the vertical feeding position:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQF19LR1rRk    Megaesophagus Feeding Method - Vertical (Roxie)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sidA3-7XezU    Megaesophagus dog Dash eating in his Bailey Chair
www.youtube.com/watch?v=O31-QxJnMxQ    [canine megaesophagus] Indi in his chair (poodle)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCJnOqQi5Vo    Duke's Feeding Chair - Part 1 (Black Lab)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU8tmPV7Pqo    Duke's Feeding Chair - Part 2

While there are many methods for obtaining a vertical position (which often has to do with the size of your dog), the easiest, safest and most comfortable way to obtain this position for your dog is with the Bailey Chair as your dog must remain in the vertical position for approximately 20-30 minutes after eating.

Bailey Chair:

The Bailey Chair was designed by Donna and Joe Koch for their dog Bailey.
• To Build a Bailey Chair:

  Donna has created a DVD with instructions for building a chair and also helpful information regarding Megaesophagus. Contact Donna at: matthew1@earthlink.net to obtain her DVD.

  To Order A Custom Built Bailey Chair:

  Mr. Moor will be unavailable, until further notice, to build Bailey Chairs due to surgery.
  Please consider purchasing the DVD from Donna Koch, Bailey's mom, and requesting assistance from a carpenter in your area as soon as possible.
  Do not wait…the vertical feeding process is the best chance a dog with Megaesophagus has to receive daily nourishment and avoid aspiration pneumonia.