Sunday, February 12, 2017

Megaesophagus

Megaesophagus in Friesians is on the talk boards a lot lately.  It's common in dogs and has been seen in other breeds. But with the Friesians there are unique traits associated with the disorder.

Symptoms include chronic choke and swelling/deformation of the area where the esophagus is on the neck. Loss of weight (because of the swallowing complications) Some horses have nasal discharge from the backup of feed. (See photo).

This is a lot more than just a choking disorder, it's actually on the cellular level of the esophageal structure. The malformation results in impaired function of the esophagus which then results in choke and debris collecting in the esophagus. Some horses have mild cases and can be managed with moist food, frequent small mash meals, elevated eating and lifestyle adjustments. Decreased exercise can also help. This disorder is degenerative and develops as the horse ages so there is not cure, just treatment. Some have sever enough deterioration that they have to be put to sleep so evaluation of your horses situation and quality of life is very important.
The best tool for diagnosis is to have contrast radiographs or endoscope. When scoped there is a clear difference in a unaffected horse vs a horse with megaesophagus. On Autopsy Friesians with Megaesophagus usually have thickened esophageal walls and not much sign of food pockets or tissue degeneration from obstructions fermenting. Further examination of the tissue also shows decreased elastin, and disorganized collagen. Where other breeds tended to have a fold or pocket that deteriorated or other degradation to the tissue.













There is some belief that because in Friesians the megaesophagus is related to abnormal collagen that it could be hereditary, there are no genetic tests in place to prove or disprove this but it's something that should be addressed. So if you have a horse with Megaesophagus and want to share their pedigree that would be appreciated. The more information we have the better chance we have at helping our horses. Fenway Foundation is trying to research  Megaesophagus and it's link to the collagen disorder, they even believe it can be linked with CPL and Aortic Rupture. They are not disclosing blood lines, but if you would like to share that information either privately with me or publicly on the blog I'm happy to share whatever information I can.




Here is a postmortem of a torn esophagus.

This is a video of Freerk, a Friesian with Megaesophagus. The information in the video was provided by the owner, Thank you. It is to help other owners with similar situations, however your veterinarian needs to be consulted for your specific case. If you have any information to share about your success or struggles please share that with us so that we can help more people through this situation
VIDEO - Freerk


Research Gate A
Slide show with some information, independent source
Article C
Fenway Info

Gay recently had a 16yo gelding diagnosed with ME- here is a helpful status update from her Facebook post
Status update- 11mo since diagnosis. What has worked/made him feel the best - short/medium grass in the field. He ❤️It and seems very happy/normal with a field of grass to eat. Long not mowed grass, eating dry hay (too much too quick) or (too much too quick) soaked(watery soup) triple crown senior all have the same affect- he will stand, not want to move, waits until it passes, if it doesn’t pass in under 5 min he will also put his nose to the ground and back up, flemen intermittently . He does not like you touching the underside of his neck nor making him move during this -hoofs are glued to ground. He lost some weight but look in good flesh still. Now that we are going into winter, he is eating more hay from his 1” hay nets/bags inside/outside I am starting to see the signs above again ☹️ . It is amazing how much hay this horse can empty from 1” hole hay net 😏. Last week for the first time I saw him slam his hay net in anger after it looked like he ate too much and he was standing there waiting for it to pass, feel better. I wish there was grass for him to eat year round. He is boarded so no option for wet hay. IMO wet hay would be hard to get out of a 1” hay net and I am sure he would eat too much too soon if free choice . I give him 90% standlee Timothy, some soft alfalfa mixed in, recently adding small amount of triple crown alfalfa-lox. In his triple crown soup he gets 3/4 cup senior and 3/4 cup complete soaked plus (all powder) supplements, cosequin, slippery elm, Smartpak digest ultra , u guard 7. No dry pellets or dry treats, no apples, no carrots etc- cannot beat these even if chopped up

9 comments:

  1. My Friesian was diagnosed today.
    I would be more than willing to share his pedigree.
    You can email me at kaychase0@ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Do you have any pictures of how to get the horse upright or vertical to eat? Saw one years ago in a barn with a rig that allowed the horse to sit on a bale of hay and eat comfortably. Cannot find it and wondering how they are fed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have not seen one where they have to sit on a bale of hay to eat. that may not be practical for a 1400 horse. But an elevated hay net or raising the feeder to where the height is above the withers should be sufficient to create downward flow of the neck.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have a Friesian w/ Mega E. There is much more to consider, other than just feeding height. With dry hay or roughage the blockages can still occur or usually will. Drenching/wetting of roughage is highly suggested. AS well as soaked/watery feed.My Friesian eats appx. at knee height. Too high and the esophagus gets a bend in it, too low and they are not assisted enough.
    This is a trial and error process, however they can maintain and be healthy this way.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for putting up this information and photos. My 19yo Friesian has had a good half dozen episodes of choke this year, out of the blue. It has recently occured to me to start investigating ME as a possible source.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear that. I'm working on posting some videos to help also

      Delete
  6. Fiona from Canada called in regards to her Lucitano. She asked if Megaesophagus could be related to the collagen disorder with Friesians, and if feeding gelatin would help.
    To answer that question for everyone. There has been no proof of connection, only speculation. However if the two are related then feeding gelatin will not help as an oral supplement. The reason for this is that the collagen disorder stems from the horses inability to lay down the correct cells. Feeding components of collagen will not re train the body to lay down the collagen correctly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My 23 year old Quarter horse made was just diagnosed with ME, after another choke incident she couldn't resolve on her own, from a piece of carrot and she ate some manure! I have been feeding her hay and her soaked grain in elevated feeders since she was kicked in the neck 13 years ago. I was told now she can't have any hay and only soaked pellets/grain. I have also been treating her for ulcers, stomach and colon. I'm concerned because she loves hay, and worry because she hasn't been a huge fan of soaked pellets. So any thoughts, or advice on diet options would be appreciated, I was hoping I could feed her her hay in a slow feeder after she recovers from the trauma of this choke...

      Delete
  7. My 16 year old Friesian gelding started with excessive licking, chewing, salivation, episodes of choke and weight loss. Choke frequency with evening grain increased over 6 months. Changed senior feed and reduced ration to 1-2 handfuls over several feedings. ME suspected and Confirmed at MSU by gastroscopy and barium swallow study. Moderate-severe ME. Managing with water soaked senior feed small frequent feedings at chest height, free choice grass 12 hours/day and free choice hay. So far he has not choked on hay or grass turnout. Prepared to soak hay and change up as needed. Tried soaked alfalfa cubes and he doesn’t like it. The chubby Friesian would absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete