19 Ryde Road, Pymble, NSW 2073
Harry the Gravity feeder
By Scott Lackenby | Dated June 7, 2017
Our Pet of the Week this week is Harry who sometimes comes to stay with us at Gordon Vet for a holiday. Harry has a condition called Megaosophagus that can occur in dogs, cats, horses and even humans. When an oesophagus is functioning normally, it acts as a muscle and pushes food down into the stomach, but dogs with the condition have an enlarged oesophagus and muscular contractions become inefficient. As a result, food doesn’t always reach the stomach. It can build up in the oesophagus, which eventually will cause the animal to regurgitate.
Megaosophagus can be either inherited or acquired. Harry acquired it after suffering the effects of a paralysis tick. When Harry is fed and given water, he is held in an upright position as you can see in the photo, and is fed several small meals a day. He is held in this position for at least 10 minutes after eating or drinking anything, to allow the food and water to eventually reach the stomach with the effect of gravity.
Written by Scott Lackenby
Scott joined the team at Gordon Vets in 1999, where he was immediately impressed with the high standard of customer service. He became a partner in 2002 and that same year he gained an extra qualification when he became a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Medicine. Scott is very popular amongst clients for his kind hearted approach to pet care and his great sense of humour. His particular areas of interest are endocrinology and dermatology.
