3/30/22 – Prayers for Waffles. As our many followers know, we very often work with the great doctors and staff of Orion Animal Hospital. A couple of weeks ago, I received a call about Waffles and whether we could partner in her recovery. Today she is seeing a specialist to determine next steps. Here is her story:”Waffles is a 5 month old Toy Poodle with suspected Megaesophagus*. She weighs in at 2.5lbs. She was surrendered by a breeder to me so that I could care for her. We have tried many treatments on her but she is still struggling to swallow her food and currently has a feeding tube. She loves to play with her foster siblings and enjoys cuddling all the time. Thank you so much for your help with Waffles. She truly is the sweetest little peanut. Waffles already has many potential adopters but she will not go anywhere until she is healthy. – Courtney”*Megaesophagus is not a single disease. Instead it is considered a combination disorder in which the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid between the mouth and stomach dilates — gets larger) and loses motility (its ability to move food into the stomach). When esophageal motility is decreased or absent, food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus and have difficulty getting into the stomach. Regurgitation is the most common sign of megaesophagus. Regurgitation is. a passive process. Food and water sloshes around in the esophagus and with the help of gravity, is released back up. There is no heaving, gagging or retching prior to regurgitation. Megaesophagus is the most common cause of regurgitation in dogs and cats.” (Tammy Hunter, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM)diana.