The comment has been made, “She’s a Walking Miracle!” Yes, that's my girl, Roxanne. (Roxie). Roxie is almost 12 years old and that in itself as a dog running agility would be notable. However, Roxie almost died early January 2008, shortly after her diagnosis of Megaesophagus due to Myasthenia Gravis. Roxie's esophagus no longer works due to the neuromuscular disease, Myasthenia Gravis. Thus, food cannot travel through the esophagus to her stomach in the usual manner. Roxie sits in the "Bailey Chair" which could be equated to a baby high chair. She is fed a liquefied, low fat diet in a milkshake consistency, and the food travels to her stomach via "gravity." She is fed 4 times a day and must sit in her chair for 20-25 minutes after each feeding. Two weeks after diagnosis, Roxie was saved with the insertion of a feeding tube in her stomach. This was her sole source of nourishment for 4 months. I often tell people that the feeding tube saved her life, "but it's the "Bailey Chair" that gave Roxie back her quality of life!"
Girls Just Want to Have Fun!
Megaesophagus dogs can still have fun as demonstrated by Roxie, CPE Agility Champion who also has myasthenia gravis. This video was made five months after Roxie was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and megaesophagus. Seeing is believing - check out her video to enjoy the 'medical miracle' that is Roxie's "case". And watch her successfully run her course with a gusto, complete with a victory lap! She knew she'd nailed it - what a thrill for this agility -loving champ! Go, Roxie, go!
Roxie's eyes still light up each time she heads to the agility ring
The veterinary science community needs to know that, in many cases, "elevating the feeding bowl" may not be sufficient.. Roxie's use of the Bailey Chair enabled her to keep her food down so that she could regain strength. This enabled her to go out and play once again! You should know that Roxie and her mom carefully decide when to run and in which events to run so that she doesn't get overly tired or stressed.
Less than one month after she started utilizing the chair to eat by mouth, Roxie ran in the 2008 CPE Agility National Championships. At that time, she still had the feeding tube in....a safety net for mom in case things took a back slide. She amazed her veterinarian,Dr. John Wilson ( Wilson Veterinary Hospital ) with her enthusiasm and happiness. Debbie wants everyone to know, " As her mom, I know that running gave her the will and strength to combat her illnesses. Since that time, Roxie has run in 9 competitions and earned her 2nd championship on 10/11/08. One quarter of this championship was earned after her diagnosis and the long road to recovery earlier this year.
Roxie the Reading Dog helps children over the ruff spots as part of the Tail Waggin' Tutor program at Buchanan Elementary. Here she and owner Debbie McDermot listen to a student practicing his improved reading skills, thanks to the program & the tutorship of Roxie (who rocks!).
Photograph: Bill L. Bressler, Staff Photographer, The observer & Eccentric Newspapers http://www.hometownlife.com
Roxie has been described as a "walking miracle" and has brought tears to other competitors’ eyes while on the course. She may be the only dog ever to earn a major championship after diagnosis and is certainly in a select few who participate in the sport competitively with it. (Right now, no one can come up with a name of another; only that they think another dog might be competing.) Through all of this, Roxie has continued to make her therapy visits at the convalescent home and has visited the children at the local elementary school with her reading program. We also hope to return to visits at Children's Hospital soon.
I truly believe Roxie has lived for a reason far larger than running agility. I believe she lived to educate veterinarians and the teaching universities that it is possible for a dog to live a happy life with these disorders. Currently, most veterinary schools are teaching that "there is nothing you can do" for Megaesophagus and that the owner should end the dog's life. Or that one should try to elevate the dog's bowl for feeding. This is a certain road to death as the esophagus cannot process food at this angle, due to reduced or nil muscle tone (peristalsis).
While there is more care required for dogs with Megaesophagus, we believe that pet owners should be given the option in which they can then make an educated choice. Many veterinarians are totally unaware of the Bailey Chair. A current study at UC-Davis for Myasthenia Gravis in dogs may identify pre-conditions that might alert an owner in the future of this disease, and one might avoid the enlargement of the esophagus. (Even the veterinarian working on this study couldn't believe Roxie was running agility with these disorders!)
We believe that "seeing" is truly believing and the very best form of education. Roxie has overcome other obstacles in her life... another serious illness and injury, so there really is a reason that she is still here. Most of all, she is an inspiration to all that you can't ever give up, no matter how bad things look.
Submitted by: Debbie McDermott, January 2009
Roxie has been described as a "walking miracle" and has brought tears to other competitors’ eyes while on the course. She may be the only dog ever to earn a major championship after diagnosis and is certainly in a select few who participate in the sport competitively with it. (Right now, no one can come up with a name of another; only that they think another dog might be competing.) Through all of this, Roxie has continued to make her therapy visits at the convalescent home and has visited the children at the local elementary school with her reading program. We also hope to return to visits at Children's Hospital soon.
I truly believe Roxie has lived for a reason far larger than running agility. I believe she lived to educate veterinarians and the teaching universities that it is possible for a dog to live a happy life with these disorders. Currently, most veterinary schools are teaching that "there is nothing you can do" for Megaesophagus and that the owner should end the dog's life. Or that one should try to elevate the dog's bowl for feeding. This is a certain road to death as the esophagus cannot process food at this angle, due to reduced or nil muscle tone (peristalsis).
While there is more care required for dogs with Megaesophagus, we believe that pet owners should be given the option in which they can then make an educated choice. Many veterinarians are totally unaware of the Bailey Chair. A current study at UC-Davis for Myasthenia Gravis in dogs may identify pre-conditions that might alert an owner in the future of this disease, and one might avoid the enlargement of the esophagus. (Even the veterinarian working on this study couldn't believe Roxie was running agility with these disorders!)
We believe that "seeing" is truly believing and the very best form of education. Roxie has overcome other obstacles in her life... another serious illness and injury, so there really is a reason that she is still here. Most of all, she is an inspiration to all that you can't ever give up, no matter how bad things look.
Submitted by: Debbie McDermott, January 2009
-- Edited by Moderator Peg on Sunday 19th of April 2009 10:06:01 PM
-- Edited by Moderator Peg on Sunday 19th of April 2009 10:07:31 PM
-- Edited by Moderator Peg on Sunday 19th of April 2009 10:09:51 PM
-- Edited by Moderator Peg on Sunday 19th of April 2009 10:24:21 PM
