Wrangler was rescued from the Apple Valley Animal Shelter on 4/22/13. Shortly thereafter, it was realized that he had a problem swallowing. After seeing many different doctors, he was taken to Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Irvine where it was determined that Cricopharyngeal Acalasia. Wrangler had the surgery that was supposed to cure the Cricopharyngeal Acalasia, however, th
e surgery was not a success. Because Wrangler was starting to crash without meds and food, a feeding tube was inserted into his tummy. He still has the feeding tube. We hope that in the near future that we will be able to raise the funds needed to get Wrangler to UC Davis for further testing and surgery. We remain hopeful until that time that he will one day be a normal dog and be able to eat and drink like all other dogs. But for now, we will continue to help him with the best treatment available to us locally. Please continue to follow Wrangler's page as we hope to someday show Wrangler as he finds his forever home. Until then, Wrangler would love to have you follow his story. Definition of Circopharyngeal Acalasia: Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a rare cause of dysphagia in the dog. However it must be differentiated from other causes of dysphagia as it is treatable with surgery. It is a disruption of the cricopharyngeal phase of the oropharyngeal phase of deglutition. There appears to be an incoordination in the swallowing process between the relaxation of the rostral, middle pharyngeal muscles and the caudal pharyngeal muscles. It is seen as a primary condition in young animals presenting soon after weaning onto solid food. The dogs appear clinically healthy unless there is secondary aspiration pneumonia or emaciation. These dogs may present as respiratory emergencies and require intensive support and treatment prior to corrective surgery. The diagnosis is made on videofluoroscopy. The condition carries a good prognosis for cure with surgical myectomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle and the thyropharyngeal muscle, which make up the upper oesophageal sphincter. Temporary relief prior to surgery can be achieved by injection of the cricopharyngeal muscle with botulism toxin. Surgical treatment for dysphagia secondary to an underlying neurological, neuromuscular or pharyngeal weakness carries a guarded prognosis and will make aspiration pneumonia worse.
