Bulldog Regurgitating Megaesophagus Due to Gastric Reflux Question
Hello, I have a few questions, and I have heard that Dr. Kraemer is the best when it comes to these things.
We adopted a 6-month-old French Bulldog when he was just 8 weeks old. He is the love of our lives, and we do not know how we ever lived before we had him.
BULLDOG REGURGITATION
Recently, he started regurgitating his food (not vomiting, regurgitating). After he had done this for 4 days straight and done research online, I was concerned that it may be Megaesophagus.
We didn’t want to take him to his normal local vet because, while he’s a great vet, he isn’t very familiar with this breed. So we took him to another. They did an x-ray and told us everything looked good (normal esophagus, normal nostrils, no blockages, etc.), but that he had an elongated soft palate, causing the issue. They told us that the problem can be fixed surgically, but that is usually only in extreme cases, and they refer out for the surgery.
BULLDOG SOFT PALATE
I was interested in the referral because I was familiar with the soft palate problems from researching the breed. I was interested in the surgery if it was within our budget because I want Yoda to have the best quality of life possible and not have problems down the line due to this issue.
BULLDOG SURGERY
I looked up the place they referred me to, and they had horrible reviews, so I started trying to find other vets who did the surgery. When I found Dr. Kraemer’s glowing reviews, that he was very familiar with bulldog breeds, is affordable, and does this surgery, it was just one of those “THIS IT THE ONE!” kind of moments!
I am emailing because we live in Apple Valley, which is pretty far away. I am hoping that we could get the surgery done at the same time we get Yoda neutered if Dr. Kraemer determines that Yoda is a candidate for the surgery and if the surgery is something that we can afford.
Yoda is doing well now that I have started wetting his food and letting it soak for 15 minutes before feeding him, but I am still concerned because I read that this problem may worsen with age.
I want to have him in our lives as long as possible.
Thank you
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 7 months ago
Answer for Bulldog Regurgitating Megaesophagus Due to Gastric Reflux
Dear “Yoda” dad, thank you for rescuing him and providing him with loving family and medical care.
As you rightly noted, megaesophagus is a common occurrence in English bulldogs and French bulldogs; this condition frequently results in chronic regurgitation.
WARNING BULLDOG ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA:
Ongoing regurgitation, retching, and vomiting are likely to lead to aspiration pneumonia, whereby the gastric material and regurgitated food are inhaled and land in the lower airways and lungs.
Pneumonia should always be considered as a life threating medical condition
BULLDOG ESOPHAGITIS
In bulldog breeds, most cases of megaesophagus are secondary to esophagitis.
BULLDOG GASTRIC REFLUX:
Bulldog esophagitis is most commonly associated with chronic gastric reflux due to medical conditions related to:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
- Bulldog gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hiatal Hernia
BULLDOG GASTRIC REFLUX
Gastric reflux is prevalent in bulldogs suffering from brachycephalic syndromes, such as the
- elongated soft palate
- stenotic nares
- everted laryngeal saccules
The extended soft palate and stenotic nares can disrupt the proper closure of the upper esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux
BULLDOG HITAL HERNIA
Hiatal hernia would be less likely but should be ruled out. A barium swallow radiograph is inexpensive and often successful in diagnosing a hernia.
BULLDOG and FRENCH BULLDOG GERD
Bulldog gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid and digestive fluids flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus, leading to esophagitis and megaesophagus.
By emphasizing the signs of continuous regurgitation, retching, and vomiting that could lead to aspiration pneumonia, you underscore the need for timely diagnosis and management of these conditions.
Answer for Bulldog Regurgitating Megaesophagus Due to Gastric Reflux DIAGNOSIS:
Beyond a barium swallow, an endoscopic examination offers a more detailed view of the esophagus, aiding in ruling out alternative causes.
Answer for Bulldog Regurgitating Megaesophagus Due to Gastric Reflux PREVENT & TREAT
Preventative Measures:
- Repair BOAS
- Blend diet
- Slow feeders
- Keep upright position 10 minutes after meal
- Elevated feeding and water bowl
- THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS
- Probiotics
- StressLess
Treatment:
- Promotility RX
- Anti-Reflux RX
- Anti Vomit Rx
- Viagra
Please refer to my articles and educational videos to delve deeper into these topics. HERE
Recommended by Owners Approved by Bulldogs
