Dog food linked to megaoesophagus
Image by Megaoesophagus_dog.jpg: Kalumetderivative work: Anka Friedrich (Megaoesophagus_dog.jpg) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
If you've been following the news recently then you may have heard of the Advance Dermocare Dog food crisis. At this stage there are 74 confirmed cases who have developed megaoesophagus as a result of eating this food. One of these cases includes one of our own Brudine family.
Megaoesophagus is a degenerative condition in which the oesophagus, the tube that takes food from the mouth to the stomach, dilates and becomes 'mega'. Food pools in the oesophagus and is regurgitated or can be subsequently inhaled into the lungs. Regurgitation of food is messy and means the dog is not actually getting to digest and absorb their food. Inhaling the food can cause pneumonia that can be life threatening. These cases of megaoesophagus are permanent. They can be managed but not cured and they represent a lifelong difficulty for the dog and their family.
Mars Pet Care, the company that produces Advance food has been open and upfront and have withdrawn the Dermocare product from the market. They are providing compensation to the families affected. Investigation into the underlying problem with the food is ongoing. It's important to remember that it's only the Dermocare product that is a problem and that other Advance foods are safe to feed.
If you have been feeding Advance Dermocare we recommend you stop and come in for assessment and to discuss your options. If your dog is frequently bringing up food or has trouble swallowing and keeping dinner down, come in for assessment.
