I have NO computer skills...but I found this on YouTube about this high chair for dogs with this condition...they say elevated bowls is NOT enough for dogs with this...they need to be in a vertical position of the esophagus is vertical to the ground so the food "falls down the esophagus into the stomach'...elevated bowls still leave the esophagus in a horizontal position to the ground, so the food does not fall by gravity, down into the stomach. Look at the stuff I copied and pasted below, especially the videos listed...they show exactly how this works...
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Yahoo Support Group:
A Support Group for owners of dogs that have, had or may have Megaesophagus, was established at Yahoo Groups in 2002 by Dave Kay and Katy Weeks, in memory of their Golden Retriever, Rusty. Members of the group can provide suggestions and ideas for feeding and care of dogs with Megaesophagus. A veterinarian monitors the group as an advisor and offers suggestions for members to discuss with their veterinarians.
The Group is at:
megaesophagus : Megaesophagus and requires membership. Be sure to check the information in the "Files" and "Links" areas after you have joined. It is available to all group members and is worthwhile in the management of this disorder. Joining does not commit your participation.
To join, put your email address in the space below and click the "Yahoo" button.
Vertical Feeding:
The Vertical Feeding Position is the best feeding position for your dog with Megaesophagus. Not only will this position allow gravity to pull the food to your dog's stomach, but it is also the best chance you have in avoiding aspiration pneumonia. (There are no guarantees, as with anything in life but again, it's the best chance you have to prevent food or water from entering your dog's lungs and causing aspiration pneumonia.)
Here are some videos on YouTube showing the vertical feeding position:
Megaesophagus Feeding Method - Vertical (Roxie)
Megaesophagus dog Dash eating in his Bailey Chair
[canine megaesophagus] Indi in his chair (poodle)
Duke's Feeding Chair - Part 1 (Black Lab)
Duke's Feeding Chair - Part 2
While there are many methods for obtaining a vertical position (which often has to do with the size of your dog), the easiest, safest and most comfortable way to obtain this position for your dog is with the Bailey Chair as your dog must remain in the vertical position for approximately 20-30 minutes after eating.
Bailey Chair:
The Bailey Chair was designed by Donna and Joe Koch for their dog Bailey.
To Build a Bailey Chair:
Donna has created a DVD with instructions for building a chair and also helpful information regarding Megaesophagus. Contact Donna at:
matthew1@earthlink.net to obtain her DVD.
To Order A Custom Built Bailey Chair:
Mr. Moor will be unavailable, until further notice, to build Bailey Chairs due to surgery.
Please consider purchasing the DVD from Donna Koch, Bailey's mom, and requesting assistance from a carpenter in your area as soon as possible.
Do not wait…the vertical feeding process is the best chance a dog with Megaesophagus has to receive daily nourishment and avoid aspiration pneumonia.
Click on a photo
to see a larger version.