{"id":1198,"date":"2020-05-03T16:06:03","date_gmt":"2020-05-03T16:06:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/staging\/?page_id=1198"},"modified":"2025-08-12T01:29:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T01:29:17","slug":"managingmegae","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/managingmegae\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing MegaE"},"content":{"rendered":"

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How should megaesophagus be managed?<\/h2>\n

With proper management, ME dogs can live long and healthy lives!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The most important management technique for ME is\u00a0Vertical Feeding. \u00a0<\/strong>Since the esophagus isn’t working correctly in an ME dog, gravity is needed to get food to the stomach.<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/span># 1 Feed Your Dog Upright<\/h5>
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You can use a \u201cBailey Chair,” a high chair, a laundry basket,\u00a0ANYTHING<\/strong>\u00a0that keeps your pup vertical! \u00a0After each feeding, have your dog remain upright in the chair for at least 10 minutes. \u00a0Some dogs may need more time upright than others — this part is trial and error.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span># 2 Food Consistency<\/h5>
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Yet another area that requires some trial and error. \u00a0Some dogs do well with a slurry or milkshake consistency. \u00a0Some dogs thrive on soaked kibble (water or broth overnight to make into a “mush”), and some dogs do better with food shaped into little meatballs (be sure that they are small enough so that your dog can swallow them–chewing negates the benefits of the meatball shape).<\/p>\n

Many ME dogs do not do well with water, so water is added to their food (in addition to the softer easy-to-swallow consistency of softened food, it’s a great way to incorporate water into your pup’s diet). \u00a0Dogs that eat meatballs can get their water with something called Knox Blocks — basically jigglers for your pup! \u00a0*See Recipes under link on homepage* Other dogs may do well with a large hamster style bottle mounted high enough to keep the throat in an elevated position.<\/p>\n

There are several recipes you can try to add nutrition and weight to your dog, like \u201csatin balls,\u201d or you can try adding coconut milk or \u201cEnsure\u201d to their food. \u00a0 Please continue to check the Recipes link for new concoctions!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What works for one dog may not work for another, so keep track of what you try so that you can find what works best! \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

More Great Tips About Hydration!<\/h4>\n
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Water is often an issue for MegaE dogs. Here are some suggestions you can try:<\/div>\n
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