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Yahoo Support Group:
A Support Group for owners of dogs that have, had or
may have Megaesophagus, was established at Yahoo Groups in 2002 by
Dave Kay and Katy Weeks, in memory of their Golden Retriever,
Rusty.
Members of the group can provide suggestions and ideas for feeding and
care of dogs with Megaesophagus.
A veterinarian monitors the group as an advisor and offers suggestions for
members to discuss with their veterinarians.
The Group is at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/megaesophagus/
and requires membership. Be sure to check the information in the "Files" and "Links" areas
after you have joined. It is available to all group members and is worthwhile in the management of this disorder.
Joining does not commit your participation.
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.
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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.
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To order a Custom-Built Bailey Chair:
If you do not have the time, tools, talent or inclination to build one,
you may have one custom built for your dog. Contact:
Oleisa and Neal Moor
Phone: 517-812-5467 Please call before 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Email: thechairbuilder@yahoo.com
Neal is a carpenter who has constructed chairs for multiple breeds/sizes of dogs
(including a Newfoundland) which have been shipped throughout the United States.
Both Neal and Oleisa have volunteered to perform this service from the kindness of
their hearts - they do not even have a ME dog but have witnessed the miraculous
improvement in a friend's dog with Megaesophagus utilizing the Bailey Chair for
feeding.
Measurement instructions and all details will be discussed when you personally
speak with Oleisa regarding your order. The chairs are built for the cost of
materials plus shipping. Donations for labor and construction time are accepted (and would be appreciated), but are not required.
Receipt of payment is required before the chair will be built and shipped.
Since the chairs are custom built to fit your dog's measurements, they are not available "over night."
Here's some photos of a chair built by Neal for a large dog. Notice that its
built for portability with 'carrying handles'.
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Click on a photo
to see a larger version.
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