Megaesophagus

[2newffamily]

My poor rescue boy Murphy has been diagnosed with Megasophagus. A blood sample has been sent to a lab in California to try to determine the underlying cause. In the meantime, we have raised his food bowl and the water bowl so my 2 girls are also having to adjust. I have cut back on the kibble and am adding more "soft" foods to make up the difference. I have bought pork hocks and plan on making some head cheese for him as a supplement to the kibble. Murphy and the girls already get sardines on a pretty regular basis and I keep a pot of salmon broth on the stove to add to their dinner. I will also add a couple of eggs, scrambled, a couple or 3 times a week. We are also trying to keep him in a sitting position for as long as possible after eating and drinking to encourage the passage of the food to his stomach and minimize the vomiting and to prevent aspiration pneumonia. This is something that wasn't even on the radar. With his A-Fib and thyroid, we're grateful that he has been with us this long. He will be 10 in November. In spite of his issues, he is still going strong and we would really like to keep it that way. If anybody has any other insight or suggestions to deal with this, it/they would be most appreciated.

 

[CathyC.]

Poor Murphy. Sounds like you are taking great care of him. I bet the dogs love that broth!

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

I have no idea what it is, but sounds like you are being proactive.

 

[Angela]

I did a search here and there is some information so firstly try that. also Halli's Mom has or had a Newf diagnosed with it so maybe you could PM her also.
Really sorry to hear this and sending hugs.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

So sorry to hear this. Unfortunately I do have experience with this. It is hard to manage but you are doing everything you can do for him now. Drinking water in smaller quantities at a time is helpful but may be hard to regulate with other dogs in the house. You have to see what works for him best. Good luck with your boy.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

So sorry to hear the news. I think you can do a Baily's chair but it is hard with the newfs being so big. I think Sully's mom Beth had a rescue with it and she actually had made the chair. I know she's on FB if you wanted to chat. I don't think the rescue was with her to long though

 

[2newffamily]

Thanks everyone. Over the last couple of days, I've noticed that restricting his water intake has made a big difference in terms of reducing the vomiting. Knock on wood, but I don't think he has thrown up since yesterday afternoon.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

You want to be careful about restricting water intake. Many newfs die from dehydration even though they drink plenty of water because the water does not stay down long enough to get absorbed into the system. Try smaller amounts more often.

 

[2newffamily]

Sorry, but I wasn't clear. He is getting smaller amounts of water, but more frequently. I can't totally restrict the water intake without risking issues for my 2 girls. I just don't keep a bowl of fresh water within reach at all times. I just got off the phone with my vet. Lab results for myasthenia gravis came back negative. Thyroid has also been ruled out. He has had xrays and an ultrasound and nothing abnormal or unusual showed up. With his a-fib, the best we can do at this point is treat the symptoms since we haven't been able to determine the underlying cause. He is still full of life in spite of his issues - a-fib, spondylosis, thyroid, bad back and hips. He'll be with us as long as we can maintain a good quality of life for him and that looks like it will be awhile yet. In spite of it all, our boy will be 10 in November. I thank Newf Friends for bringing this wonderful boy into our lives.