This little guy is Koda. He is 13 weeks old and has megaesophagus. He is a puppy, doing the usual happy puppy stuff like chewing on everything, pulling your shoe laces. nipping at your pants etc. The other residents are starting to get use to him and some are playing ball with him outside or just running around the house.
Megaesophagus is where dogs are unable to swallow food normally because their esophagus lacks the muscular tone and motility needed to move food and water. Instead, their esophagus dilates and food backs up, causing them to regurgitate the meal. Koda has to be feed standing or sitting up and stay in that position for about 20 minutes so the food can get into stomach. Koda has a Bailey chair which is designed specifically for dogs who have megaesophagus, supporting them in the upright position for feeding. There is a learning curve for both Koda and me. We will keep you posted on his (and my) progress.
