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Why Do Some Dogs Need High Chairs, and How Can Genetics Help?
Summary
Some dogs have to eat in a high chair because they have megaesophagus, an esophagus disorder that can prevent them from properly digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Leigh Anne Clark, Ph.D., an associate professor at Clemson University, has been researching the genetic underpinnings of megaesophagus in dogs. Her research has shown that the disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The test, available at veterinary testing companies, is designed “to help breeders reduce the frequency of the risk allele and to plan matings that are less likely to produce affected puppies.”
Q&As
What is megaesophagus?
Megaesophagus is an esophagus disorder that can prevent dogs from properly digesting food and absorbing nutrients.
What are the signs and symptoms of megaesophagus in dogs?
The signs and symptoms of megaesophagus in dogs include regurgitation, coughing, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
How is megaesophagus diagnosed?
Megaesophagus is diagnosed by a veterinarian through a physical examination and medical history.
What is the genetic cause of megaesophagus in dogs?
The genetic cause of megaesophagus in dogs is a variant of the MCHR2 gene, which plays a role in feeding behaviors.
How can the risk of megaesophagus be reduced in future generations of dogs?
The risk of megaesophagus can be reduced in future generations of dogs by breeding dogs that do not have the risk allele for the MCHR2 gene.
AI Comments
👍 This is a very interesting article that provides a lot of detailed information about a specific condition that affects dogs. It is well researched and written in an easily understandable way.
👎 This article is very long and dry. It is difficult to read and does not provide much useful information.
AI Discussion
Me: It's about dogs with a condition called megaesophagus and how genetics can help manage the disease.
Friend: That's interesting. I didn't know that genetics could help manage a disease in dogs.
Me: Yes, it's pretty amazing what genetics can do these days.
Action items
- If you are a dog owner, be aware of the signs and symptoms of megaesophagus.
- If you are a breeder, consider testing your dogs for the MCHR2 gene variant.
- If you are interested in Clark's research, follow her publications for updates.
Technical terms
- Megaesophagus
- an esophagus disorder that can prevent dogs from properly digesting food and absorbing nutrients
- Esophagus
- a muscular tube that food travels down from the mouth to the stomach
- Peristaltic contractions
- the contractions that move food from the esophagus to the stomach
- Symptom
- a human condition that someone describes
- Clinical signs
- the signs of a condition that can be observed in a dog
- Aspiration pneumonia
- a complication of megaesophagus that can occur when food is regurgitated and inhaled
- Gastroesophageal intussusception
- a complication of megaesophagus in which the stomach is sucked up into the esophagus
- Congenital
- present at birth
- Acquired
- not present at birth