Puppy Born Without Ability to Swallow

Poor little Grizz has a condition known as congenital megaesophagus (or mega-e). Mega-e makes it extremely difficult for Grizz to swallow. Essentially, his esophagus is enlarged and has lost its ability to move food into his stomach. Without that movement, food and liquid accumulate in his esophagus, resulting more often in regurgitation. 

This is a delicate and tricky condition! It's imperative that we find a way to give Grizz the nutrition he needs to thrive. So far, we've been doing all we can to provide supportive care--Grizz enjoys eating in his Bailey chair, which keeps him upright to aid movement of food down his esophagus and into his stomach. He wears his neck hug after his meals and through the night. His fosters are taking extra special care with him, providing high-nutrient meals and extra hydration! But despite our best efforts, Grizz is still losing weight. 

The standard medications aren't working. The regurgitation is getting worse and poor Grizz is so thin and frail. We need to act fast!

Grizz needs to  go to the vet for a barium swallow, so we can get a better view of what his esophagus really looks like. But first, we need to make sure his little heart is strong enough! Grizz will need an EKG. Both tests will provide critical information that will give us a better idea of how to help puppy Grizz.