stellnme

In the past I've had up to 4 dogs. Presently I have two, and this breed loves company so would always try to have two. However as I get older, the possibility of being able to manage only one is a very real one. I think you make it work however many you have, but accommodation, council regulations and personal abilities all come into play.

Agree with all the posters. Years in rescue for me and tube feeding requires experienced guidance and vet help. Please don't leave your puppies alone at this stage. Can your breeder offer any help?

Nope. Many vets never see a case. The best advice is from hands on owners who have managed it for years and learnt what works and what doesn't. My vet took an xray, said that's what it is and to give him meatballs. No advice on what else it could be or further tests, etc. I learnt the hard way.

If she is only regurgitating liquid at the moment, you may be in a very fortunate position. Many Mega owners do not offer water at all, but rather make gelatin blocks to give her hydration. They swallow these easily and they disolve. The only problem in a multiple dog household is keeping her away from the water bowls. It could also be myasthenia gravis for which there is medication - myasthenia can progress to megaesophagus in some cases. Truly, it's worth doing tests to see if it really is megaesophagus or something that is treatable. with medication or surgery. With the Bailey chair, as I mentioned above, many dogs fall asleep in their short period in the chair after eating, and there are very well made and comfortable chairs out there for all sizes of dogs. If the dog is small, you can also sit with them upright or resting on your shoulder for 15 minutes or so. You will probably never have the "perfect" puppy and maybe you will lose her at some stage, but nothing is guaranteed with any dog. I would give anything to have my boy back again with all the inconveniences of managing it. He went far too soon.

Yes, Rascal. My Basil had this at 8 years. Unfortunately he passed away due to complications (Aspiration Pneumonia). There is a wonderful group called Australian Canine Megaesophagus Group on facebook, run by a very knowledgeable lady who has managed her dachshund for many years. Members donate Bailey chairs which enable the dog to be fed upright and stay in the chair for a period after eating to enable the food to go down. Many dogs fall asleep in their chairs! There is also a man who makes the chairs. What works for one dog may not work for another, so the information from members is very helpful in working out what may work for your dog, recipes, medications, etc. Many vets never have a case and are unable to give much information. It can be congenital (born with it) or, as in my Basil's case, acquired later in life. We were unable to pinpoint the cause of his. Please also bear in mind there are several causes of Megaesophagus, some cases can resolve if the cause is found and treatable. Please join the group, they are so supportive and all is not lost. Your pup can live a long and happy life, but it will require effort on your part. However, they are worth it.

Not my rule about political posts on this forum.

Quite agree. Political views were not to be promoted on the forum as of some years back.

What a little sweetheart!

It can be an old dog thing - perhaps slight incontinence, but in my experience with old dogs they do not like to soil where they sleep. Can you put the crate in an enclosed area where you can put puppy pads down at night and leave the crate door open? I've also found that the type of food fed can affect night time bathroom breaks. Mine are fed the same diet but on the occasions that they have a small amount of skinless bbq chicken, invariably one or both will need to go during the night. Feed dinner a little earlier and give him ample time to be outside before bed.

@Loving my Oldies- it says you can't receive messages on DOL. I've sent you an email, check the junk folder if not showing. I've read the post and just have a question you might be able to help with regarding Ralphie.

@Loving my Oldies- are you able to receive messages? I need to contact you regarding Dazzy please.

Have you sourced any breeders of your chosen breeds? Might be worth doing to see if/when litters are planned - you could be in for a wait, and also to ask any questions regarding the breed.

Sooty certainly got lucky for the last three years he spent with you. I'm so sorry he has gone but as always, they leave us with lovely memories. I've learnt that there is always another dog who needs a place to call home, at least that's what happens at my place! So glad you have adopted the sisters. They look very much at home, and will be a comfort for Shala.

I'm so sorry, Katdogs.

Any chance of something like a snake/possum/unusual animal or bird in the yard that may have spooked her @Katdogs? Maybe with her sight not being as sharp, it may have been enough to really upset her? Lots of possibilities - I hope she is doing well now.