16/06/2025
June is Canine Megaesophagus Awareness Month. Unfortunately our Macy was diagnosed with this awful disease on July 2, 2024 at age 7. It is very stressful and scary sometimes but we have controlled her disease very well with only one aspiration pneumonia scare last month. The Upright Canine Brigade (UCB) uses the month to promote education and support for dogs with megaesophagus, often through fundraising for research. Every year in the month of June in honor of Canine Megaesophagus Awareness Month, the UCB holds a calendar contest. The top 12 pets with the most “likes” receives a month on the calendar. Voting starts today and runs through June 30. Macy will have her own special day on the calendar but we would love to be able to get her a month. If you would like to vote, which you can do once every 24 hours, please click on the link below. If it does not take you right to Macy's picture you can scroll down a little and type "Macy" in the "Search Entries" Box. We greatly appreciate every vote!
https://m.cmpgn.page/KxmxR?sre=or7ppGilV3NmNi6
Canine megaesophagus is a condition in dogs where the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach) becomes enlarged and weakens, making it difficult to move food down into the stomach. This leads to food accumulating in the esophagus, causing symptoms like regurgitation, and potentially aspiration pneumonia. Most dogs with this disease, including Macy, must eat their meals in an upright position, preferably in a "Bailey Chair", and must be kept upright after eating for about 20-30 minutes. Most can not eat dry kibble and are fed a blended slurry, canned food, meatballs, or soaked kibble. Even water cannot be consumed normally and most require thickeners to be added to their water or may need to consume gelatin cubes to supplement water intake. In dogs that cannot tolerate any water consumption, fluids can be given under the skin to maintain hydration.
