Why is my large dog regurgitating undigested food? What tests?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Justin Plunk, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 29th, 2017

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
  
  Shepherd dogs of any breed tend to have sensitive stomachs and/or intestinal tracts, but I do share your concern that your dog could have something like megaesophagus. Differentiating between vomiting and regurgitation is often difficult, and it is possible she does both. Sometimes, chest x-rays are enough to determine if megaesophagus is present, though the absence of seeing such changes on plain film radiography does not rule-out megaesophagus completely. Sometimes, a barium swallow test with fluoroscopy is required for a definitive diagnosis. Then, if she does have megaesophagus, an underlying cause should be sought out and addressed if possible to achieve best possible management of her condition. Whether she has megaesophagus or not, abdominal x-rays would be a good idea of the vomiting and/or regurgitation persist. An abdominal ultrasound may be necessary as well to achieve a more refined diagnosis.
  
  In the meantime, I would recommend elevating her food as high as you can where she can still eat it, probably around 8-12 inches off the floor for a dog her size. Also, you can soften her dry food by applying water to it and see if she is able to keep it down.
  
  Hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 29th, 2018

  Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
  I am sorry that Rambo isn't feeling well. Mega-esophagus is a very tricky disorder.
  
  Mega-esophagus can be caused by various underlying diseases including cancers, hypothyroidism, myasthenia gravis, and other conditions. I would discuss with your vet about testing for these, as some are treatable.
  
  Mega-esophagus can also be primary, or just aquired. In this case there isn't much treatment, just management.
  
  Management involves feeding meat-ball shaped foods from an elevated position, and water being up in an elevated position.
  It is also important to monitor for signs of aspiration pneumonia (food going into the lungs), as this is a common complication that occurs, and can lead to life-threatening pneumonia. If aspiration pneumonia is suspected then antibiotics are sometimes required.
  
  Management of this condition can be very difficult and tricky, and will require a good relationship and unfortunately frequent relationship with your vet. Other medications to help or consider include proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole), anti-nausea medications (maropitant, ondansetron), pro-kinetic medications (metoclopramide). Talk to your vet about these classes of medications.
  
  I hope Rambo feels better soon.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful