Dog with Megaesophagus?

[sunnys best friend]

With regard to the chair, he needs to get used to it. If you feed him every time he goes in it he will form an unpleasant association and pretty soon you won't get him in it at all. So pop him in at random times and make a big fuss of him, and play with him.
The feeding is harder - do you use a syringe? Again getting him used to it, maybe smear some meat paste round the end and let him lick it off. Don't always show him the syringe with the chair, too - again the association. Make it all a huge game, praise him up and never shout at him. Away from mealtimes play with him a lot - this helps him to bond with you and trust you, plus he will become hungry and more receptive to the idea of eating. Good luck!

[Holly]

It's definitely difficult to get a young puppy used to sitting upright in a bailey chair for the amount of time needed. Have you tried wrapping him tightly in a towel and holding him? It's much harder for puppy to squirm if he's wrapped up. You can also try putting him in a baby carrier and carrying him around with you. Something like this would be good: http://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Breathe-...by+carrier

If you have a bailey chair already, you will want to work with him as much as you can to get him used to it, but for now, feed him in whatever way makes him less squirmy.

As I'm sure you know, every dog with magaesophagus is different, and some handle thicker food much better than a liquid diet. You'll want to experiment as much as you can until you find what works best for him. Once you can get him to hold still, this should help.

You also may want to get him a "neck hug" or pro collar. These help keep his front end a little more elevated when he's laying down. http://www.amazon.com/Procollar-Inflatab...r+for+dogs

AND, lastly, you'll probably want to join this facebook group. It's a support group for owners of dogs with magaesophagus. The people in the group are so nice and understanding, and offer a TON of great advice. You can ask any and all question you have, or just post when your dog is having a bad day and get support. It's a great group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/4329632343/

Good luck! I hope you're able to find a way to feed your puppy, and that he grows up healthy and strong! I know this condition can be so heartbreaking and frustrating. Sending prayers for you and your puppy.

[Jo]

I am watching "Judge Alex" and the case that's on is about a dog with that very condition and the plaintiff did a raw diet and thawed them out to just the right consistency and made small meatballs out of the hamburger meat. The deceased dog at the center of the case knew she was going to get food and water when in the chair so she was happy. Also the plaintiff said that he put blankets in the chair to make it more comfortable for his dog.

Hope this helps and good luck!