Megaesophagus & The Bailey Chair

I get so many visitors to the site looking for information on Megaesophagus & Bailey Chairs, I’m updating the post. If your dog has just been diagnosed, I want you to know there are lots of people out there who are dealing with the same thing and want to share what they’ve learned.

I recommend joining the Yahoo megaesophagus group—they’re active, responsive, & helpful.  Look under “Files” for years worth of invaluable information on everything to do with megaeshophagus.  There is now a Facebook support group for megaesophagus which is also active & growing.

Megaesophagus is a condition in which a dog’s esophagus is enlarged to the point that food remains in the esophagus and never makes it down to the stomach and is instead regurgitated. The muscle contraction and relaxation that normally takes place to move food down to the stomach doesn’t work. Megaesophagus can be present since birth or can develop in adult dogs. If left untreated, it can cause a range of problems, including starvation and aspiration pneumonia.

  • The Mar Vista Vet site has a crash course on megaesophagus, including:
    • how regurgitation differs from vomiting
    • x-rays comparing a normal esophagus to a megaesophagus
    • interactive videos demonstrating megaesophagus
    • plus information on cause, diagnosis, & treatment

The Bailey Chair was designed by, Donna & Joe Koch, the owners of a dog (Bailey) diagnosed with megaesophagus. The dog sits in a “begging” position to eat, drink, or take medication and gravity does the work to bring what’s ingested to the stomach. There are a few ways you can acquire a Bailey Chair:

  • The creators will send you a DVD or video of instructions for building your own Bailey Chair for $6.00 to cover costs. Send email to Matthew1@earthlink.net to inquire about the address.  (Find out more in the Yahoo Megaesophagus Group.)

This “highchair” for dogs can be made of different materials and in different sizes to accommodate small and large dogs.
smallbaileychair.jpg largebaileychair.jpg

With proper eating position, diet, and medication, these dogs can have almost normal lives. Like Roxie, Rocket, Jasmine, Mattie, Diyoji, and in particular Tobin, whose caretakers’ describe their trials, errors, and successes in ongoing journal entries.

310 Replies to “Megaesophagus & The Bailey Chair”

  1. I have a rat terrier just diagnosed with mega E and a collapsing Trachea. I need a Bailey chair for about 13 pound dog if anyone has one reasonable or donation!
    772-932-7532 in Florida.

  2. My dog is 11 years old and he was diagnosed with megaesophagus. We have four kids and 2 dogs including my oldie that has been sick for the past month and my husband is the only one working. He even had surgery because the doctor thought that he had cancer or a tumor. But now we know that he has this condition and we do not have money to buy him a Bailey chair. He is a golden retriever and he weights 72 pounds, he has lost 12 pounds in the past 3 weeks. 🙁
    Please help us.
    Thank you
    Maria

  3. My 8 week old German Shepherd puppy was diagnosed with a mega esophagus. Im looking for a baileys chair. If anyone has one they are not using it would be wonderful. If you have any good advice please send it my way. Thanks so much

  4. My German Shepherd puppy was diagnosed with a mega esophagus. My family and vet is new to all of this. Im looking for a baileys chair for ms ella. If you have one tou are not using please let me know. Any advice you can give me im open to it. Thanks so much! My email address is lovingpaws01@gmail.com

  5. I have a Hungarian Vizsla 8 months old diagnosed with Megaesophagus. I came to know only yesterday, with a terrible shock. He is very skinny, and I desperately looking for a specially designed chair. Can someone help me please? My email is pandkassociates@aol.com, Tel 07916134976. I really appreciate your help.

  6. need information on the cost of a bailey chair for a French bulldog, please let me know thanks

  7. I have a bailey chair that will accommodate a large dog.
    I’m in IL. near I80 & I 39 laSalle/Peru. Yours if u pick it up.

  8. I have a bailey chair which will accommodate a large dog.
    Yours to pick up. Near I 80 & I 39 in LaSalle/Peru area.

  9. We are a shelter, The Buddy Foundation, we have a small rat terrier diagnosed with ME. Can someone help me find someone that builds them for a reasonable cost or someone that can donate to the shelter. Flaherty is about 10 pounds.
    Thanks,
    Janet
    Buddy Foundation
    Dog Coordinator

  10. Hi guys,
    I have a toy poodle named Coco Moco who was just diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis and Mega esophagus. He is a very sick boy, he is having lots of convulsions and muscle weakness, he is emaciated and having great difficulty eating or drinking. A Bailey Chair would make a world of difference. The vet bills have added up quickly leaving me pretty much broke and very worried. Any help either getting one built or donating one would be a godsend at this point.
    Thank you,
    Teresa
    Fair Oaks, CA

  11. Hi. My little 8.12 pound little girl Pasha ( Yorkie) has just been diagnosed with severe mega esophagus . I rescued her from a puppy mill and have other animals in my home. I have Mulltiple sclerosis and live alone and have no one to make me a chair and I cannot hold her while she is eating or for 30 minutes after she eats. I am devastated lost my Bella a rescue Yorker on Valentines last year. And my Dad passed and I took his cat Tinker bell she was just diagnosed with end stage mast cell cancer. So I am having horrible time here. Not sure what I can do or should do. I just want my little ray of sunshine to live. She is at vet now being tested for all the other diseases that cause this condition as her X-Ray was fine in 2014 she is only 6. I honestly am trying to get a home equity loan to pay for my vet bills. Not trying to get anything for free but need advice and help as soon as possible. Thank you so much.

  12. Just Teresa again, coco passed away..I never was able to get a real chair, just one from cardboard I taped together…it didnt work..he passed away today..R.I.P. coco moco, you were the best dog ever.

  13. Hello everyone. We have set up a page on Facebook called ‘Bailey Chairs For Dogs UK’. We can make personalised Bailey chairs, dog beds, huts/dens/cage modifications for your beloved pets. Any design/colour/size available at competitive prices. Please like our page for photographs and further information.

  14. My Chocolate lab Jesse was diagnosed with ME in July 2014. He passed away March 4, 2016 from complications involving degenerative myelopathy. The ME never got him. Jesse was 14 years 7 months 2 days God bless each of you in your journey. Our fur babies are worth everything we can give them.

  15. My chocolate lab was diagnosed with megasophogas and praa in Feb, she had major surgery for the praa, which has helped considerably.
    Holly was a 9 week old puppy when I rehomed her, she had been left to die in an alleyway, presumably because of her condition, she had a shaved patch on her front poor from a drip. How can people be so heartless. She is now 51/2 months and very precious

  16. My friends Goldendoodle has just been diagnosed with this. He is a massive 40lb dog who stands at over 5ft tall on back legs!

    Does anyone know anyone in the UK who makes these chairs please?

  17. I made this chair using plywood/foam that comes in big sheets from Joann Fabrics /vinyl from the same store that was on sale –color didn’t matter…hinges and corner pieces from the hardware store it isn’t beautiful but functional..it is on the bailey site how to measure and make one..even if you can’t you probably can find someone who can help…any questions please feel free to contact me

  18. Any updates on a Bailey chair for cats? I don’t want to lose my precious pet to this condition.

  19. My Rottweiler Kai was just diagnosed with ME last month after having a pacemaker put in. He just turned 8 on July 29. He has been totally healthy until a few months ago when we were told he needed a pacemaker after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Then a couple weeks after surgery, they diagnosed him with his ME. I am still trying to understand how he went from being so healthy to his condition now. December of last year, he weighed 146 and now he is down to 120. I have been looking at different sites with videos and pictures of the Bailey chairs. I have not found any that were made for dogs as big as Kai, so it has been hard for his daddy to build the chair to suit his needs. If anyone has any suggestions or advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

  20. Hello, my friend’s dog just received the diagnosis of mega esophagus yesterday. Her dog Cupcake is a pug jackmrussell mix and is sweet as her name. She needs help in getting a chair for her as like all,of us on a fixed income it is tough after all the vet bills. Is there a used chair that I could help her get or a chair no one is using. It would be greatly appreciated.

  21. Tess my dog has just been diagnosed with megaesophagus. What is the next step for me to take in acquiring a bailey chair? Hope you can help.Thank you

  22. My 9 year old Shepherd was just diagnosed with Myastemis Gravis which led to her newly found megaE. Can anyone please help. It’s been very expensive and stressful process for both of us and now that I’ve finally gotten her stable, I’m going out of town for a family wedding on Friday. I’m super worried that the dog sitter won’t be able to hold her up like I do after every feeding and limit her water.
    I think I need to get a chair but she was abused when she was a pup and sure scared from everything. The chair may push her over the edge. Any suggestions, help, comments? I’m in the Detroit, MI area.
    Thank you!

  23. i need a bailey chair urgently for my old labrador- is it possible to order one from you? What is the timescale?

  24. My large rescue dog from Israel was just diagnosed with mega esophagus. She also has dislocated back.legs but is able to walk and has no pain.. we will be doing more tests to find the cause. As all of this is,costly I am also looking for a used Bailey chair. Any ideas?
    Thank u, Rachel

  25. Hi
    Well, my girls and I got the MEdiagonosis a few days ago for our beloved beloved Belgian tervuren,Frank. He’s been such a comfort to me through all my back,knee and arm surgeries lately. He makes the girls feel safe and also comforted them as well. I am a single mom on disability Franz is 10 and has so much life left in him. Due to his size and my back surgery 3 days ago it’s hard to try to help him eat upright. I was hoping to see if anyone know of a chair available in the Atlanta,ga area or if anyone can help with getting one for our 80lbs. Furry family member. It’s so hard to watch him regurgitate up to 40 or so times a day. Pls if anyone has any ideas for us pls let us know
    My prayers and love go to all of u and your loving dogs!! Sincerely,Kimberly and girls

  26. Hi,
    I have a 5 week old beagle puppy that has just been diagnosed with ME. We are heartbroken to learn this and learn that most pups his age, this is a death sentence. any tips would be appreciated. I would love to know more about this chair such as price and how to go about getting one. i can be reached at alyssa97b@icloud.com

  27. I have a homemade Bailey chair that fit a 40-45lb. Springer Spaniel.
    It’s available if anyone wants it. The height of the door and the padding inside can be adjusted to suit a similar sized dog.

    I’m in the Boston area but I think I could unscrew a few parts and maybe ship it too.

  28. I have a nine year old beagle who was just diagnosed with ME. My husband passed away in August, and I have spent quite a bit of money already trying to determine what is wrong with Lofton. I need the rest of my husbands insurance money to go for medical bills for my children, school loans and basic household needs. Can anyone help me get Lofton a Bailey Chair that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The ones I’ve seen advertised on line are quite expensive. Please help Lofton and my family. We would all be forever grateful.

  29. We have a 12 year old Boxer (13 on 2/4/17) named Tess that was diagnosed with ME today. My husband and I thought it was cancer that may have taken over her as she had two breast surgeries due to cancer. She has lost 16lbs in the past month and has vomited just about everything eaten or drank…longest she could hold it down was 12hrs. We were prepared for the worst, not saying this isn’t bad for any animal, but at her age its i think a bit harder. If it wasn’t for my husband suggesting we have comfort knowing it could or couldn’t have been fixed she may have been put to sleep. We asked the vets honest opinion as I’m sure she hates to be asked but she said give her some time, made us feel better knowing we aren’t making our poor baby girl suffer. She still at her age has so much life in her and still very mischievous for us to give up on her. SO with all that being said if anyone has any pointers for our old girl please let me know. Or if anyone knows of a place for the Bailey Chair? I think for now I will just sit with her and make sure she sits upright.

    Thank you in advance for any tips or suggestions or if a chair is near Richmond, VA.

  30. Hi, my 11 1/2 year old golden retreiver has huts been diagnosed me, looking for a bailey char or something as good in the uk. Any tips greatly appreciated

  31. Hi,

    My 11 1/2 year old golden retriever has just been diagnosed with mega o, any ideas where to get a bailey chair or something similar in the UK, any tips greatly appreciated.

  32. We have a German shepherd that has been diagnosed w mega e. He has lost so much weight. We have done and tried everything including spending $600 on testing from the vet. He has lost so much weight and it is so sad to see him so frail. He is down to 57 pounds. I feel like I am watching him die. He throws up so much everyday . Help!!!!!

  33. Hi. I am in IL (suburbs). Our 27 lb spaniel was just diagnosed. Anyone in the area have a chair that is not currently in use? Thanks. Scott. You can text me @ 312-399-1220

  34. I have a 4 month old kitten that was just diagnosed and he also recovering for aspiration pneumonia. I am looking for a Bailey chair for him. Can any one help me please. Mega e is very rare in cats

  35. is it possible to purchase a bailey’s chair for our german shepherd who is just turning 8 mnths old………we live in Canada and are looking to purchase one.

  36. Hi I have an Irish doodle that has ME-
    Looking for a Bailey chair – she’s about 18lbs.
    I’m on the west coast- please let me know if anyone has one- happy to pay for shipping also

  37. Hi everyone, my Koa Girl has been diagnosed with Megaesphogas and Pneumonia. looking to borrow a chair. She is 1 1/2 year old German Shepherd. We need all the help we can get. Bless you all.

  38. I have 7 year old 95 pound german shepherd that has just been diagnosed with megaesophagus and pneumonia 🙁 I was wondering if anyone knows where I can get a bailey chair for a reasonable cost in Orange County California Thank you

  39. I have 6 year old 62 pound Standard Poodle that has just been diagnosed with megaesophagus and pneumonia 🙁 I was wondering if anyone knows where I can get a bailey chair for a reasonable cost in washington state.. King County Area Thank you

  40. Hello everyone. Max, my rottweiler was diagnosed few weeks ago, although he was sick for over a year and 6 different vets couldn’t diagnose him. Finally a specialized told us what I had already figured. Max was 110 pounds and quicky got down to 52 pounds. He is back up to a healthier 89 pounds and counting. He is 9.5 years old. Some tips for you all: gelatin blocks with goats milk, puppy milk and pedialyte. After feeding him on a step stool, I would let him lay elevated on a lounge chair cushion that was folded in half. That made it elevated so it would help with regurgitation. Lastly, we bought a head pillow. That helped keeping him level and not allowing saliva to accumulate when he was sleeping. All these things allowed Max to become healthier , day by day. If you have any questions , please don’t hesitate. This is a frustrating situation , but it’s
    manageable with the right tools and support.

  41. Hello everyone. Max, my rottweiler was diagnosed few weeks ago, although he was sick for over a year and 6 different vets couldn’t diagnose him. Finally a specialist told us what I had already figured. Max was 110 pounds and quicky got down to 52 pounds. He is back up to a healthier 89 pounds and counting. He is 9.5 years old. Some tips for you all: gelatin blocks with goats milk, puppy milk and pedialyte. After feeding him on a step stool, I would let him lay elevated on a lounge chair cushion that was folded in half. That made it elevated so it would help with regurgitation. Lastly, we bought a head pillow. That helped keeping him level and not allowing saliva to accumulate when he was sleeping. All these things allowed Max to become healthier , day by day. If you have any questions , please don’t hesitate. This is a frustrating situation , but it’s
    manageable with the right tools and support. You are not alone. Please reach if you have questions or need ideas : nikos4meb@gmail.com

  42. My golden retriever was just diagnosed with megaesophagus and I need a bailey high chair. Does anyone know where I can get one? I would appreciate any help possible.

  43. I just posted the need for a bailey high chair for my golden retriever. I live in Tucson, Arizona.

  44. I want to order a bailey chair for my golden retriever who right now weighs 87 pounds and losing weight. Jenna was diagnosed this weekend with megaesophagus,

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