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THERAPEUTIC NUTRITION

Useful information about the needs of cats and dogs with nutritionally sensitive health conditions.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Canine Megaesophagus

Chronic regurgitation is the hallmark clinical sign of megaesophagus in dogs. Acquired megaesophagus, which is more common than the hereditary form, can be idiopathic or secondary to certain diseases. Affected dogs can experience malnutrition that causes weight loss and poor body condition due to inadequate calorie intake. These dogs also frequently develop aspiration pneumonia.

Nutritional management of dogs with megaesophagus focuses on minimizing regurgitation, avoiding secondary aspiration pneumonia, and providing nutrition that helps dogs regain or maintain proper body condition and weight.

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Megaesophagus is the most common cause of regurgitation in the dog.

Key Messages

  • Dogs with megaesophagus typically need to eat and drink with the head and upper body raised (i.e., the upper body is elevated 45 to 90 degrees relative to the floor) to minimize regurgitation and avoid complications from aspiration pneumonia.
    • The dog should remain in the upright or elevated position for 15 to 30 minutes after each meal so gravity can help move food down the esophagus and into the stomach.
    • Activity also should be limited for 30 minutes after a meal.
  • Small meals of a nutrient-dense, highly digestible food should be provided 3 to 4 times daily.
  • A change in food consistency may be necessary to reduce regurgitation. Since different dogs tolerate some consistencies but not others, encourage owners to experiment with various amounts of liquid to find a consistency that works best for their dog.
  • Weak dogs and those that experience frequent aspiration or uncontrolled regurgitation may benefit from gastric feeding tube placement.
  • Body condition and weight should be monitored closely using the 9-point Purina Body Condition System, with the score recorded in the medical record at each reassessment.
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“When a dog is diagnosed with megaesophagus, it is often necessary to make changes to how your dog is positioned to eat and drink, as well as to the food and its form. Our goal is to provide your dog with the nutrition [he/she] needs while reducing regurgitation and risk of inhaling food into the lungs.”

Related Tools and Content:

The Purina Body Condition System

The Purina Body Condition System is an easy and practical tool for assessing a pet's body composition.​

View Brief 1 min to 5 min

How to Perform a Body Condition Assessment - Dog

Assess a dog's Body Condition Score in just 3 simple steps.​

View Video 1 min to 5 min

Components of Nutritional Assessment

Nutritional assessment uses an iterative process to make specific diet recommendations tailored to individual dogs and cats.

View Brief 1 min to 5 min

To Share With Pet Owner:

Canine Body Condition System Sheet

A visual aid to the Purina Body Condition Score System for dogs.​

View Tool 1 min to 5 min

Evaluating Your Dog’s Body Condition

Assess your dog's Body Condition in just 3 simple steps.​

View Video 1 min to 5 min

Additional Resources

Gaynor, A. R., Shofer, F. S., & Washabau, R. J. (1997). Risk factors associated with the development of canine acquired megaesophagus. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 211(11), 1406─1412.

Knipe, M. F., & Marks, S. L. (2016). Megaesophagus. In L. P. Tilley & F. W. K. Smith, Jr. (Eds.), Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult: Canine and feline (6th ed., pp. 859─860). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Mace, S., Shelton, G. D., & Eddlestone, S. (2012). Megaesophagus. Compendium: Continuing Education for Veterinarians, 34(2), E1─E8.

Ridgway, M. D., & Graves, T. K. (2010). Megaesophagus. NAVC Clinician’s Brief, 8(11), 43─48.

Washabau, R. J. (2003). Gastrointestinal motility disorders and gastrointestinal prokinetic therapy. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 33(5), 1007─1028.