In this episode, we welcome Dr. Liesl Bigge, a veterinarian and graduate of The Ohio State University, for an insightful discussion. Dr. Bigge, who co-owns Cleveland Associated Veterinary Specialists and serves as an internal medicine consultant, shares her expertise on various veterinary topics.

We begin by exploring **megaesophagus**, a condition where the esophagus remains abnormally enlarged and lacks the necessary peristaltic motion to move food into the stomach. Dr. Bigge explains the challenges of diagnosing and managing this frustrating condition, which often leads to aspiration pneumonia. She describes dietary adjustments and positional feeding techniques, such as using a Bailey chair, to help manage the disease.

Next, the conversation shifts to **idiopathic vestibular syndrome**, often seen in older dogs. This condition affects the balance system and manifests as dizziness, head tilting, and sometimes nystagmus. While its exact cause is unknown, supportive care and anti-nausea medications like meclizine can help manage the symptoms. Dr. Bigge contrasts central (brain-related) vestibular problems with peripheral issues, which typically resolve over time.

Dr. Bigge shares an impactful story about a terrier diagnosed with an abdominal mass, emphasizing the importance of timely medical intervention. Additionally, she recounts a case from her internship involving a dog with severe vestibular disease, highlighting the innovative feeding techniques used to manage the condition.

Lastly, Dr. Bigge discusses the crucial role of collaboration among pet owners, veterinarians, and veterinary specialists. She mentions support networks, such as Facebook groups for pet owners dealing with specific conditions like megaesophagus, which provide valuable resources and community support.

Key Points:

- **Megaesophagus**: A condition characterized by an enlarged esophagus that struggles to move food to the stomach. It requires careful management through dietary consistency and positional feeding.

- **Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome**: A balance disorder in older dogs that usually improves with supportive care and time.

- **Diagnostic Techniques**: Importance of distinguishing symptoms and using video evidence for accurate diagnosis.

- **Treatment and Management**: Utilizing specialized feeding chairs for megaesophagus and anti-nausea medications for vestibular syndrome.

- **Collaborative Care**: The role of support networks and timely medical intervention in managing veterinary conditions.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these challenging veterinary conditions and learn practical tips from Dr. Bigge's extensive experience.

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

All footage owned by SLA Video Productions