{"id":1543,"date":"2020-05-31T02:38:23","date_gmt":"2020-05-31T02:38:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/staging\/?page_id=1543"},"modified":"2026-08-23T17:14:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T17:14:26","slug":"inspiration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/inspiration\/","title":{"rendered":"Inspiration"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”2011″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Jennifer”]This is Brewski. One of his favorite things is going for a car ride. He was diagnosed six months ago with megaesophagus and subsequently we learned he has myasthenia gravis. It was very up-and-down for the first four months and he had to be hospitalized several times. He had aspiration pneumonia twice, but he has bounced back beautifully. He takes pyridostigmine for the MG \ufffc and omeprazole before bed. About six weeks ago we added Leflunomide (an immune suppressant) to help control the MG. It really seems to be working! \ufffcHe eats meatballs we make from Hill\u2019s prescription wet food in his Bailey chair, but if you didn\u2019t know that you would never know there is anything different about him. Although these conditions can be very challenging, and I\u2019ve always had \ufffc a special bond with him, the extra care has only made that stronger. He is the bestest boy![\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”2004″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Julie”]This is Tully; she\u2019s a month shy of her 4th birthday. We adopted her from a rescue when she was a little over 7 months old. We noticed that she started regurgitating water occasionally back in December 2024. We were back and forth to two different vets and then finally (LIVS)Long Island Veterinary Specialists diagnosed her with ME on December 13th. She had a very mild case of AP at that time. On December 19th, I had our regular vet draw blood to check for MG, and we were lucky enough to get in with a specialist at LIVS the next day due to a cancellation. He spent over an hour and a half with us and said Tully had idiopathic ME and that she could live a good life, but it was up to us to be on top of her care. I asked about her possibly having MG, and he said based on her exam and spending all that time with her, he felt she didn\u2019t have it. Then on January 10th, Tully\u2019s bloodwork results came in. She did, in fact, have MG. Her specialist was actually happy because he said he could treat that. She had focal MG. Tully went into spontaneous remission 5 months later. She\u2019s still doing great; she still eats upright, and she eats Knox Blox but will sip water on occasion. We keep a silicone bowl of frozen water in the freezer that she loves to lick on really hot days. She doesn\u2019t take any medication, except on occasion she needs a Pepcid. Tully is still a funny, fun-loving girl who loves life and makes our lives so much better. We love her so much and are so grateful we were lucky enough to be the ones to adopt her.[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1547″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Julie”]My pup was a humane society rescue, and they had no idea she had ME. I thought she was just \u201cbarfing\u201d a lot due to the antibiotics she was on for a stomach parasite, and that she was skinny because she\u2019s been dumped. Our vet was great – knew about ME and suspected it from the start, so she prescribed metoclopromide for motility, famotidine for acid reduction, thick-it in her water, and upright feeding. She eats soaked kibble and freshpet in her Bailey chair twice a day. She\u2019s been rocking in the free world ever since – hardly ever regurgitates (like a couple times a year – same as any other dog) and if she has inflammation from it, we do sucralfate and she is back to normal in no time. She\u2019s a lovely little pumpkin girl and I wouldn\u2019t trade her for a \u201ctypical\u201d dog for any amount of money. Once you find your new normal, you can\u2019t imagine any other way.[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”1549″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Kathy”]<\/p>\n

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This is Chase, came to me as medical foster with ME over 3 years ago.\u00a0 Vet said he may live a year, well Chase is going strong.\u00a0 He has about 3 bouts of AP a year but otherwise he his happy boy.\u00a0 He plays, runs and hangs with the pack he just eats differently.\u00a0 I treat him exactly like the other dogs and let him be a dog.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”1564″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Ashlie”]My boy has congenital ME. He\u2019s seven now. Here he is last week earning his CGC title.[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1572″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Ann”]<\/p>\n

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Luke is almost 10! We have some rough days but the good days are so worth it. He comes to daycare, goes camping, goes to the lake, everything I do with my other dogs, he does.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_hoverbox image=”1576″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Ashley”]<\/p>\n

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Jay was diagnosed at just 5 weeks old. My vet had never seen the condition, and couldn’t offer any advice except a printout from the internet. I did my own research, alternative the consistency of his food, and that alone fixed his regurgitation. He’s 7 1\/2 months now, hasn’t regurgitated since Dec, and has an appointment tomorrow to see if he’s outgrown the condition. He’s one of the largest in his litter, and happy and healthy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1550″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Karie”]<\/p>\n

Kruz was diagnosed as a puppy with congenital ME. His lower esophagus sphincter doesn’t open up the second food hits it- it’s a timing issue but he typically only requires 10 min upright time.\u00a0As a puppy, he had to be fed 4 times a day with 15-20 min upright time.<\/div>\n
As he got older, and we became more familiar with his condition and foods he tolerated best, we were able to gradually wean him off all meds, take him from 4 to 3 and now 2 feedings per day.\u00a0He drinks from an elevated bowl and eats in a Baily chair twice a day now at the age of 3.5 years old, but is otherwise a normal dog. He enjoys camping, hiking, boating, swimming, playing ball and romping around with his doggie siblings.<\/div>\n

[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1553″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Rebecca”]Buck was dx with PRAA at 5 weeks old weighing 4.5 pounds. He had the surgery. He has mild ME. He is now 4 years 8 months old weighing 80 pounds. Buck eats ice chips for water. He is fed 2 times a day. His kibbles are soaked overnight in water in the refrigerator. It is pur\u00e9ed while adding warm water to a malt consistency.[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1555″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Dawn”]Welcome. I got my girl, Zena, a German Shepherd, when she was 5 weeks and 6 days old. At 11 weeks old she was diagnosed with megaesophagus. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs. Good days bad days. She has to do things a little bit differently than other dogs, but she is 3 From DawnFrom Dawn old now. She’s the love of my life I don’t know what I would do without her. It’s not easy but the bond you have is worth every single minute.[\/vc_hoverbox][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”2008″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Caitlin”]The first year, before we connected with Upright Canine, was rough- 3 bouts of AP. But he’s over 5 years old now and hasn’t had AP in over 4 years! No urgent vet trips in all that time- just regular appointments. He is a healthy weight- and our vet is thrilled. He touts Zyler as one of his proudest success stories. Zyler seems to be able to drink regular water in the last couple of years, which makes things easier. We still give it to him upright and in small amounts, and only as needed. Zyler has travelled with us across Canada, through the US (including Alaska), and Mexico in our RV, so he is living the good life.[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”2002″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Claudia”]Indy came into our rescue weighing only five pounds and suffering from severe complications related to megaesophagus. Many didn\u2019t believe she would survive, but on 9\/4\/26-she will turn two years old\u2014another amazing milestone for our little fighter.

Indy has had multiple surgeries, procedures, hospitalizations, and currently has a PEG tube for feeding and an esophageal tube in her neck for suctioning. These tubes have saved her life. Although we\u2019ve faced many challenges, we work through them because Indy keeps fighting.

Her diagnosis, tubes, and daily care may seem overwhelming, and people sometimes question her quality of life. But to know Indy is to see that she doesn\u2019t know anything is wrong. She is thriving, happy, loving, and the most rambunctious little girl who continues to defy the odds every day.[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”2013″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Mary”]This is Tito hrs 5.5 years old and is a Chiweenie. We adopted him when he was a little over a year old as he came to a rescue here in MN from South Dakota where he was found wandering the streets there. His foster Mom didnt notice anything wrong with him. We got him in May of 2022 and didnt notice anything was wrong until August of that year. He started to have a change in his bark and had fallen down our carpeting stairs and spotted when I took him outside to potty. Our vet had suspected MG and sent out a blood timer to check his levels. They of course came back off the charts. It took us some time to find the right meds and dosages that work for him but now we have him on a good regime. He doesn’t reguritate daily which is good and hes playful with his fur brother. He eats 2 meals a day in a bailey chair and takes his meds twice daily. AM and PM. He takes omprezole, pyridostigmine and reconcile. His kibble is soaked in warm water. Hes a great dog I wouldn’t change a thing. I truly believe these precious souls are given to us because we are able to care for them.[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1580″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Madelyn”]This is Chance! He was born with ME. He was only four pounds at 8 weeks!!! I had him on reglan and Sildenafil but he doesn\u2019t need it anymore. He just turned one and he\u2019s doing fabulous!!! \ud83d\udc99\ud83d\udc3e[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”1578″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Gina”]Midas. Foster fail at 6 months.\u00a0 He\u2019s now 5.[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1560″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Krys”]We have a black lab that was born with ME… he is now 95lbs! We have good and bad days, but unless you watch me feed him, or see him on a bad day, you would have no idea he has any problems. He is 4 now. We added another puppy a year ago, and the 2 play all the time![\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1554″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Becky”]This is Sassy. She has congenital ME\/MG. She was diagnosed at 11 weeks and is now 5 years old. Nothing slows this girl down. Her favorite things are chasing the ball and swimming in the lake. Her name fits her 100%.[\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1585″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Jodi”]<\/p>\n

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Today is Cosmo\u2019s 11th birthday! Diagnosed with MegaE at 12 weeks, we never imagined he\u2019d reach this milestone.\u00a0 \u2764\ufe0f<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_hoverbox][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”1570″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Kelly”]Lady is 7 and was diagnosed at age 3 (we adopted her as a 2 year old and she had symptoms at that time). She has achieved her novice agility titles and loves to play that game! This photo is from an out of town event – we simply packed her chair for meals on the road![\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1566″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Erin”]Meet Otis – He is almost 2 years old now. I was his foster mom and adopted him. He had PRAA surgery when he was about 5 months old, which greatly helped him. He eats upright on a platform (outgrew his chair) and is on no medication. He has a great quality of life playing with our other dogs and cats and horses![\/vc_hoverbox][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1574″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Johanna”]Our girl, Anya, diagnosed at 4 weeks old and vet recommended euthanasia. We wanted to give her a chance. Now we’re almost 3 years later, got a great routine, haven’t had any big issues, minimal meds, pretty close to a normal life![\/vc_hoverbox][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_hoverbox image=”1582″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Johanna”]The one on the right is my boy Otis he was diagnosed at 1 yr when he started vomiting and couldn’t keep anything down he was skin and bones and didn’t want to eat. He slowly starting getting his will to eat back i was feeding him sitting in an upright position for at least 15 min. Otis will be 11 in Aug. He has a very normal life well a very spoiled life is more accurate once you find a routine that works for your baby life gets so much easier.[\/vc_hoverbox][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”2011″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”From Jennifer”]This is Brewski. One of his favorite things is going for a car ride. He was diagnosed six months ago with megaesophagus and subsequently we learned he has myasthenia gravis. It was very up-and-down for the first four months and he had to be hospitalized several times. He had aspiration […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1543","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1543","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1543"}],"version-history":[{"count":42,"href":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1543\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2024,"href":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1543\/revisions\/2024"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/caninemegaesophagusinfo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}