Canine myasthenia gravis (MG) is an immune-mediated neuromuscular disease causing progressive weakness and, most critically, megaesophagus — an enlarged esophagus that leads to regurgitation, aspiration pneumonia, and significant welfare challenges in affected dogs.
Myasthenia gravis with megaesophagus presents one of the most demanding welfare management challenges in companion animal medicine. Dogs that repeatedly inhale regurgitate develop aspiration pneumonia — a painful and potentially fatal lung infection that may recur multiple times despite careful management. The constant vigilance required around feeding, the discomfort of repeated regurgitation, and the risk of respiratory complications all impair quality of life significantly. However, with dedicated management — upright feeding in a Bailey chair, appropriate food consistency, and medical treatment — many dogs with MG achieve acceptable quality of life for extended periods. The welfare burden falls heavily on committed owners, whose consistent management is essential to the dog's survival.