Veterinarian Dr. Jillian Haines at Washington State University has been dedicated to studying and treating the rare and often fatal condition ‘megaesophagus’ in dogs and cats for over a decade. Her inspiration came from her adopted beagle mix, Cake, who developed megaesophagus after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident. Despite the grim outlook for animals with this condition, Haines found hope in online pet owner groups and launched several studies to better understand the disease and improve treatment options.
Megaesophagus occurs when the esophagus loses its ability to contract, leading to food and water being trapped and often regurgitated. This can result in aspiration pneumonia, the leading cause of death for animals with megaesophagus. Haines’ research has led to the development of new management strategies, including the widely used Bailey chair for upright feeding.
Since joining WSU in 2014, Haines and her research team have identified new treatment options, such as sildenafil (Viagra), and improved management practices, leading to better outcomes for pets and reduced burdens for owners. While there is still no cure for megaesophagus, Haines remains hopeful that ongoing research will continue to enhance care for animals with this condition.
Haines credits her experiences with Cake and the support of her clients and online communities for her understanding and progress in treating megaesophagus. Her dedication and research efforts offer new hope to dogs and cats struggling with this challenging condition.
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