Regurgitation or Megaesophagus

[Mrs David/Bonnie]

Hi Guys,

Time to turn to "the family" for advice. Diesel has been regurgitating again. Last time we thought it was sharp bones that he couldn't digest. Cost us $500 to remove 4  bones and more in trauma as the vet wanted him to stay over for 3 nights. Hubby is reluctant to have hi x-rayed again.

He is on a raw diet + rice n cooked veg. He eats very slowly and has always liked a soupy meal. He doesn't bring up every time but mostly after he's had a large bone which he chews on, not swallows. 

He's always been on the thin side no matter how much he eats. He's not a voracious eater and takes his time. He's otherwise active with no other symptoms.

Could it be Megaesophagus?  Do I keep him off bones? and waht about raw meat? Should I switch to mince? 

Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated

Thanks, Bonnie

[Marco]

Hello Mrs David/Bonnie I'm sorry to hear that Diesel is having issues with raw.  He might for some reason not able to handle it due to his system.  I have not experienced this with any of mine, or heard this with any others here yet that I recall. A few questions if I may. Are all the bones raw, and not cooked? Do you think he might be getting to much bone in his diet? Following by the 80% meat, 10% bone, 10% organs. Is he allowed to run around, and very active after he eats? Any certain bones you notice this more with?  I've read before some dogs having trouble with pork bones, which I think are harder to chew for some.  I would suggest using a meat grinder, and grinding up his meals.  By doing this he only looses the benefits of raw bones cleaning his teeth while chewing, and strengthening the jaws.  However he continues to eat a much healthier diet, without the risk of the bone issues your having.    Below are some links on raw diet that talk about some isues that people may have, also a video on Megaesophagus for those unfamiliar with it.  I also added another video that might be helpful to understand regurgitation.  I am far from a pro at this, and maybe someone here will be able to help you better.  I hope you get things figured out soon, and please keep us posted.

 

http://www.saveourshepherds.org/raw.html

http://preymodelraw.com

 

Megaesophagus - The "Regurgitation Disease

 

 

When Vomit Isn't Vomit

 

 

 

 

[Mrs David/Bonnie]

I've been on the Megaesophagus site.. yikes, does Diesel have to go onto a smooth diet for the rest of his life? We were at a stud farm last yesterday and apparently every horse has a different diet. Thought bb's were difficult enough! Anyhow, Diesel is doing ok.. no more regurg for now, hoping to maintain the situation and no more bones for him. Maybe a frozen chunk of mince?

[Jens Gunther]

Hi Bonnie, it doesn't sound as if there's anything wrong with Diesle's diet from my point of view. I don't feed any carbohydrates and minimal veg, but that's a totally different debate. As long as the bone you're feeding is raw and brittle, e.g. femur heads, knees, brisket, etc., there should be no problem. Marrow bones and bones from the table are generally not suitable due to the way they are cut. The brittle bone will break off only in small chunks.

With megaesophagus there is very little effort involved in regurgitation, as opposed to vomiting. The dog would essentially drop his head and the food would essentially run out of his mouth. He may even cough as there is always the risk of aspiration. The vet who removed the bones should have had a look at his oesophagus at the time as well.

Have you looked into internal parasites? I have just treated a dog for giardia, a nasty little bugger that's quite prevalent in our area at the moment. Giardia manifests in acute and chronic forms, and it may cause the symptoms you describe. The low weight, slow eating (which may or may not point to nausea), and vomiting may point in this direction. Diesel may have carried this parasite with him since puppyhood. Giardia is brought under control with relative ease, but required long term management, also with relative ease. This might be a shot in the dark, but perhaps it helps to look at things from a different perspective.