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If a stricture forms, a dog may experience future issues with difficulty swallowing and it may lead to a condition called megaesophagus. These tests enable your veterinarian to actually see the number, location, and types of strictures. Some breeds have a known genetic marker causing congenital megaesophagus, including: Wire-Haired and Smooth Haired Fox Terrier. However, in more serious cases, a surgery is required to remove the object. Also, complete the full course of medicine. Pain medications may also be appropriate. Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. While it may seem like an odd trend to the untrained eye, parents of dogs with megaesophagus know this scene isn't just staged for social media it's an everyday necessity. Typically, dogs will open their mouth and food or liquid appears to fall out without any heaving or stomach contractions. Dogs sometimes eat grass and vomit it back up again, when they have an upset stomach. WebHere are a few signs that often appear in dogs who suffer from esophagitis: Pain in the neck or throat. About our Ads. If there is a lot of damage to the esophagus, a feeding tube may be placed for two to three weeks to give the esophagus time to heal. WebYour health care provider might take biopsies of the esophagus to look for inflammation, eosinophilic esophagitis, narrowing or a tumor. When an obstruction occurs, it can be full or partial. Enter search terms to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and more. Your veterinarian may recommend feeding your pet a diet of soft food, low in fat and fiber, in small, frequent meals. If inflammation is severe, a feeding tube placed through the body wall into the stomach, bypassing the esophagus, may need to be inserted to allow the esophagus to rest. Another common sign of the disorder is aspiration pneumonia. This is managed by medications such omeprazole to reduce stomach acid production. In cases of acquired megaesophagus, the exact cause of the disorder is unknown. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005. If an associated disease is causing megaesophagus, it must be treated. This may require a vet to sedate your dog, to have a look further down. If signs are present, drugs may be prescribed. Dr. Liz Bartonqualified in 2004 from the University of Cambridge. It boasts natural disinfecting effects that can settle stomachs and relieve gas. A therapeutic diet may be a good choice for dogs with megaesophagus; talk to your veterinarian to see if one might be right for your dog. If they tend to try to swallow the last remaining piece, it is best to take it away. There are two ingredients that should be in the mix: The first is the Pregnancy Diet, a diet A full obstruction occurs when food or water cannot pass around the object to reach the stomach. January 2020. Yes, dogs with megaesophagus can live happy lives with regular veterinary care and pet parent dedication. Normally, when dogs swallow the food stimulates the muscle in the esophagus to contract, pushing the food from the mouth into the stomach. If an object lodges in the esophagus, at first a dog may appear to be in distress and uncomfortable but still breathe normally. When seen, signs include regurgitation, drooling, repeated swallowing, pain, depression, lack of appetite, trouble eating, or extension of the head or neck. In dogs with megaesophagus, the muscles in the esophagus cannot properly coordinate this swallowing movement. While the symptoms are like congenital myasthenia gravis, the cause, testing, and treatment are different. Keeping the dog in this position for at least 15 minutes after eating allows gravity to help the food move down the esophagus. If the object causing the blockage is small and located in the stomach or the part of the small intestine closest to the stomach, your veterinarian may be able to use a procedure called endoscopy to retrieve the object. Surgery is often needed to correct blood vessel abnormalities. It is especially useful for things like fish hooks or other sharp objects that often catch in soft tissues. If your dog is experiencing any of these signs, consider making an appointment with your veterinarian for further evaluation as soon as possible. Hospitalization & monitoring: $1,500-$3,000. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. Or why he has diarrhea? Dogs being fed upright in high chairs. Your veterinarian may also recommend additional diagnostics like bloodwork to evaluate the health of your dog. Use to remove results with certain terms Regurgitation is effortless and has few warning signs, in contrast to vomiting which is an active process preceded by signs of nausea. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Veterinary Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Vet Manual outside of North America. Aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition are the leading causes of death in dogs with megaesophagus. Other tests: Esophagoscopy (video scope into the esophagus), blood tests, tests for various neuromuscular and endocrine diseases, and muscle biopsies may all be used to determine the underlying cause of megaesophagus. The esophagus is the tube in the body that carries liquid and food from the mouth to the stomach. o [pig guinea] Signs of aspiration pneumonia include cough, nasal discharge, fever, poor appetite and lethargy. It can be difficult to tell if there is something stuck in your dogs esophagus, but if you notice the following, take your dog to the vet immediately: Suddenly acting agitated, anxious, or restless, Repeatedly swallowing, gagging, or coughing, Excessive drooling (which may contain blood), Seeming uncomfortable when moving their head or neck around. The most common sign of megaesophagus is regurgitation. Partial obstructions are still an emergency, and can sometimes be more difficult to recognize. Let us know in the comments section below. Most dogs make a full recovery. What are the signs of megaesophagus in dogs? Medication or Botox treatments. Some animals that are born with megaesophagus grow out of the condition, usually by 6 months of age, but most dogs with megaesophagus tend to develop aspiration pneumonia or fibrosis of the lungs due to recurrent pneumonia, which may shorten their lifespan. The primary sign of megaesophagus is regurgitation. Dogs with this condition are often underweight and may require a high-calorie diet, which can be best satisfied with wet or canned food. All rights reserved. How did your vet help your dog recover? Metoclopramide (0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg PO, SC, IM, or IV; 1 to 2 mg/kg q24h IV at a Small diverticula may cause no signs. The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline. Other objects include nylabones, rawhide, dental chews, sharp objects such as fishing hooks or sewing needles, or even large pieces of food. For many dogs, the condition improves or resolves with age. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Dogs, Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Digestive System of Dogs, Disorders of the Pharynx (Throat) in Dogs, Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Dogs, Disorders Caused by Bacteria in the Digestive System of Dogs, Disorders Caused by Protozoa in the Digestive System of Dogs, Pancreatitis and Other Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs, Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Dogs, Last review/revision May 2018 | Modified Oct 2022. Dogs tend to do best if esophageal foreign bodies are removed within 24 hours. The condition may also affect some other breeds, including: There are two types of megaesophagus that can affect your pet. Even with the objects removal, the esophagus may need time and treatment to heal. If you see something lodged in your dogs throat, it is important not to try to dislodge it at home. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. In many cases, your veterinarian will be able to remove the foreign object through the dogs mouth, using a flexible endoscope and forceps (large tweezers) or other instrument. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science: "Clinical features and prognosis of canine megaesophagus in Japan." Foreign bodies stuck in the esophagus can prevent normal swallowing. Encouraging dogs to sleep with their front end slightly elevated. Congenital abnormalities of the esophagus Esophagus Congenital abnormalities are conditions that an animal is born with; they are often called birth defects. Some of these conditions are inherited and tend to occur within particular families read more (those present at birth) are discussed earlier in this chapter. One thing to note is that regurgitation looks different from vomiting. This happens when a dog eats something they shouldnt. If the object cannot be removed by mouth, sometimes it can be pushed into the stomach where it can be digested, passed in the feces, or removed via surgery. These chairs look like highchairs for dogs and can be custom-built for growing puppies and all sizes of adult dogs. Often, during the regurgitation process, the esophageal contents may be expelled through the nose and even accidentally breathed into the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia. If the dog develops aspiration pneumonia, it must be treated immediately and aggressively. How long can a foreign object stay in a dog? With appropriate management and monitoring, in conjunction with a strong partnership with your local vet, many dogs with megaesophagus can have a relatively normal life. Keep in mind that regurgitation is different from vomiting. She has two dogs and a rescue cat with no tail. Regurgitation frequently occurs many hours after a meal and typically does not have bile, because it was never in the stomach. Your dog may also have to undergo Another way to reduce regurgitation is to determine whether your pet does better with a solid or liquid diet. Blockage in the esophagus by scar tissue, tumor, or any other foreign body, Damage to the muscles and nerves of the esophagus. Signs include regurgitation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and pain. Are you sure you want to delete the comment? If your dog swallowed something that has become stuck in their throat, the symptoms they may show include trying to clear their throat, pawing at their mouth, salivating a lot, coughing, choking or retching (trying to vomit). Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Rothrock DVM, Kari. For example, if the problem is caused by acid reflux (a cause of heartburn in people), drugs that reduce stomach acid can provide relief for your pet. What Are the Symptoms of Megaesophagus in Dogs? Metoclopramide is also often prescribed to reduce the likelihood of stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus. Dogs with megaesophagus may have a difficult time swallowing and show excessive salivating. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A chest x-ray will show air, fluid, or food in the distended esophagus. 1 An endoscope is a long flexible piece of tubing with a camera and a light on one end that is passed through your dog's mouth, Examining the esophagus using fluoroscopy is the preferred method for diagnosis; endoscopy can also be used. Changing the texture of the dogs diet is usually Regurgitation is effortless and has few warning read more , which is a narrowing of the width of the esophagus, is the most common complication of an esophageal foreign object. Also see professional content regarding esophageal disorders Diseases of the Esophagus in Small Animals . Some dogs may be so severely affected that they cannot keep anything down. Repeated attempts to vomit without being able to bring anything up, Decreased interest in eating and/or drinking, Drooling (there may or may not be blood in thedrool), Vomiting or regurgitation (may be delayed several hours after eating), Pain with movement, especially when moving the head and neck. There are many kinds, including squamous cell carcinomas, leiomyosarcomas, fibrosarcomas, osteosarcomas, and undifferentiated sarcomas (all malignant); and leiomyomas and plasmacytomas (benign). This may require an esophageal endoscopy. Anything a dog swallows can become stuck in the esophagus, but typically items that get stuck are rough, irregularly shaped objects or things too large to pass through. In some cases, these can puncture the throat muscle walls. The second type is acquired megaesophagus. Stomach tubes are well-tolerated and generally easy to maintain. If your veterinarian suspects an object is stuck in the esophagus but cannot see it on x-ray, they may: Recommend using contrast dye and retake x-rays, Perform a CT scan of the neck/chest to evaluate the esophagus. A partial obstruction may allow fluids but not food to pass. For most esophageal obstructions, veterinarians prefer endoscopy. Sometimes, pet parents and veterinarians may notice a small bulge in the neck when the esophagus is distended. In many cases, a veterinarian will use an endoscope (a flexible tube with a tiny camera at one end) to explore the esophagus, search for foreign objects, and assess the extent of tissue damage. At this time, the recommended treatment for esophageal strictures is to perform esophageal balloon dilation. It is a bit wider at the top where their voice-box (larynx) is equivalent to the Adams apple on a human. Experiment with various food consistencies and eliminate foods that are causing regurgitation. Wondering why your dog is constipated? The cause of the condition is a dog eating something thats too big. Surgery. These tumors occur mostly in the upper esophagus in cats All is revealed here. Thirdly, a full physical examination will be carried out. Medication or Botox treatments. It is very important to monitor dogs with megaesophagus daily for any signs of life-threatening aspiration pneumonia, such as difficulty breathing, fever and rapid heart rate. Pet parent dedication, patience, and close monitoring with a veterinarian are key to managing megaesophagus dogs successfully. The food does not have to pass through the esophagus. These dogs can become very sick with fever, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and coughing. Managing megaesophagus in dogs can be achieved through a special diet and, in some rare cases, surgery. Have you ever cared for a dog who suffered from this condition? Unlike vomiting, it is not accompanied by nausea and does not involve forceful abdominal contractions. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat aspiration pneumonia. But how do you know if it's a serious problem or not? Regardless of the method, general anesthesia is required. Dogs that have other neuromuscular disorders are less responsive to surgery, but may respond to treatment with successful management of the neuromuscular disorder. An abnormal connection between the esophagus and the airway to the lungs is called a bronchoesophagela fistula. Use OR to account for alternate terms This means monitoring closely for serious side effects like aspiration pneumonia. It is a hereditary disorder experienced often by Miniature Schnauzers and Wire Fox Terriers. Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia include nasal discharge, fever, and cough. Cancer in or around the esophagus can also partially block the esophagus. Other tests may also be performed to view the esophagus and determine the cause and extent of the enlargement. o [alopecia OR hair loss ], , VMD, DACVIM, DACVECC, New England Animal Medical Center. Vomiting is an active process that involves gagging, retching, and the body actively, often forcibly, ejecting the contents of the stomach. VCA Hospitals: "Megaesophagus." It may develop after trauma (for example, ingestion of a foreign object or caustic substance), anesthesia, use of certain drugs, inflammation of the esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux (gastric acid flowing back into the esophagus), or tumor invasion. Contrast x-rays can be used to diagnose the disorder. Esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus. Abnormal blood vessels (called vascular ring anomalies) can also trap the esophagus and cause megaesophagus. This tube allows food to be delivered directly to the stomach. Changing the form of food based on the dogs specific needs. Dogs with megaesophagus typically have ravenous appetites, but they develop poor, thin, weak body conditions due to the inability to get nutrients into their stomach for processing. It also allows them to determine if there are any defects in the esophagus that may allow air, fluid, and/or infection to build up in local tissues or to leak into the space around the lungs. If you notice your dog tends to break off large pieces of these treats and swallow them whole, it is best to avoid them. Use for phrases Bailey Chairs are used to keep the dog in an upright position for at least 10 minutes, preferably 20-30 minutes, preventing most of the food and liquid from accumulating in the esophagus. They will begin to lose weight. The outlook for recovery after surgery is fair to good. A close relationship with a veterinarian, time, patience, and understanding of the condition are needed. Megaesophagus is a condition that decreases mobility in the muscles of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. It can rarely develop in dogs after foreign material penetrates the wall of the esophagus. WebPatients should receive acid-reducing agents (e.g., proton-pump inhibitors) and sucralfate slurry. Puppies, small dogs, and adult dogs with the condition will regurgitate when eating solid food. Examples of obstructive secondary megaesophagus include: Some medications can cause a narrowing of the esophagus, and food cannot adequately pass. If an obstruction is not treated, loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy may occur. They are rare in dogs. In mild cases, a dog may be treated with antacids, gastrointestinal protectants, and pain medication for a few weeks, along with a softened diet. Veterinarians will want to frequently examine these dogs to monitor weight and body condition and bloodwork parameters, in addition to screening for signs of aspiration pneumonia. Abdominal ultrasound: $200-$400. WebThe average cost will vary based on how severe your dogs case is, but lets break down a few of the standard costs to help you have a better idea of what to expect. Regurgitation, in contrast, is a passive process. Diverticula are pouch-like expansions (dilations) of the esophageal wall. After the objects removal, many dogs develop esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus. In this procedure, a video endoscope is used to visualize the esophageal damage, and an inflatable balloon is passed through the scope and slowly inflated to breakdown the stricture. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Strike five separate times between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If there are concerns the object may not pass through the digestive tract on its own, or should not be allowed to pass on its own, surgery may be performed to remove the object from the stomach (gastrotomy). The vets examine the passage of food and liquid from the esophagus to the stomach to see why your dog is having trouble swallowing. It can also be seen at birth, especially in Cairn Terriers. It is similar to an X-ray, except that the vet can watch video footage of food moving through the esophagus rather than just a still image. o [ canine influenza] Bones are the most common, but needles, fishhooks, wood, rawhide pieces, and other objects may also become lodged in the esophagus. How is esophageal stricture treated in dogs? These include: Veterinarians often suspect megaesophagus based on clinical signs and history alone. Many foreign objects can be seen on xrays. Check the roof of the mouth, between the teethand look to the back of their throat. Feeding Tube. When suffering from megaesophagus, food gets stuck in the dog's esophagus rather than traveling to the stomach. Because of their eating habits, foreign objects in the esophagus are more common in dogs than in cats. In these cases, the muscle and nerves of the esophagus are normal, but chronic distention directly in front of the obstruction causes muscle dysfunction. There are no specific blood tests for megaesophagus; however, your vet may want to run additional tests to determine if the condition is secondary to another disorder. Endoscopy is where a camera on the end of a tube is passed down the esophagus to look for abnormalities. What is kaolin and what effect does it have on dogs. Other signs include regurgitation, decreased appetite, fever, and lethargy. You will have to bring your dog back for a follow-up videofluoroscopic swallow study after the vet has recommended a treatment method. A tendency to occur in families has been reported in German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, Great Danes, Irish Setters, Chinese Shar-Peis, Labrador Retrievers, and cats. However, most cases are permanent and require life-long care. Affected dogs have an increased risk of pneumonia caused by breathing liquid or food into the lungs. Occasionally certain drugs, cancer, caustic substances, or an infection with an esophageal worm (Spirocerca lupi) will cause this condition. If erosions were present on the lining of the esophagus, restriction of food or water may be necessary for a few days so to allow the esophagus to heal. Allowing a dog with an esophageal blockage to drink or eat may cause aspiration into the lungs; you're better off seeking the vet immediately. The esophagus is the tube in the body that carries liquid and food from the mouth to the stomach. Bones, especially brittle ones, can get stuck and cause choking and injury to the throat. Veterinary Information Network, Inc. Megaesophagus (Canine). The swallowing center then sends a signal to the swallow reflex. A common diagnostic test for the condition is the videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). If the underlying cause can be treated & intervention is early enough, the esophagus may regain motility and megaesophagus may regress. The signs, if present, are similar to those seen in dogs with megaesophagus. Secondly, your vet will ask about any circumstances where your dog could have eaten something thats causing the problem. Small diverticula can usually be treated with a bland, soft food diet. Food Consistency. Other things, such as sticks, balls and rawhide (leather) can also get stuck in a dogs throat. Gastrointestinal protectants such as sucralfate may be prescribed to protect damaged esophageal tissue. In these cases, a permanent stomach tube can be inserted by a vet to bypass the esophagus entirely. Dog Breeds Care & Health - Foreign Objects Stuck in The Throat in Dog Check the roof of the mouth, between the teeth and look to the back of their throat. If he isn't going at least twice a day, learn what steps you should take. Primary megaesophagus (present at birth) is not well understood by veterinarians, but most cases of primary megaesophagus might occur due to incomplete nerve development in the esophagus. Fetal vessels that should disappear by birth remain intact, encircling and constricting the esophagus. Her clinical passion is diagnostics and getting to the bottom of an animals illness, in order to help them get better as soon as possible. As a result, food, and liquid accumulate in the esophagus, stretching it and preventing nutrients from being properly absorbed in the stomach. Acquired megaesophagus can often be the result or symptom of another condition entirely, such as: The most prominent sign that your dog may be suffering from megaesophagus is regurgitation (a passive process where food and liquid just roll out) and vomiting. Young dogs, especially terriers, can have abnormal esophageal movement without megaesophagus. Feeding the dog in frequent small meals is usually helpful. 5 Dog Esophagus Problems and What You Should Know - Top Dog Especially depending on severity and length of time, even if the underlying disorder is treated, the damage done may be irreversible. Radiology: Megaesophagus is routinely diagnosed through x-rays. Instead, their esophagus dilates and food backs up, causing them to regurgitate the meal. Heres what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for the condition. The vet will use these results to determine if the treatment was successful. In some cases, a feeding tube may be used for two to three weeks. To confirm the diagnosis, multiple tests may be recommended. Some objects show up well on x-rays, while others can be more difficult to see. There is a risk you could push it further into the throat as your dog moves. To do this, you have to feed your dog from a high position or keep them in a standing posture after you have fed them to ensure the movement of the food to the stomach. Fourthly, an X-ray will be taken of the chest and throat. Changing the texture of the dogs diet is usually necessary. This procedure is often accompanied by antibiotics. The animal should also eat in an upright position (having the forelegs raised higher than the rear legs, such as on a ramp or platform, and holding this position for a short period of time after eating). Fortunately, although this condition requires management, dogs can lead happy and relatively normal lives. One home remedy that can be made from the plants and herbs in your herb garden is a frustration pain reliever called Echinacea. WebKeeping the dog in this position for at least 15 minutes after eating allows gravity to help the food move down the esophagus. Dogs can live normal life spans, but in most cases the condition will require lifelong management. Diseases of the Esophagus in Small Animals, Disorders of Swallowing (Cricopharyngeal Achalasia), Expansion of the Esophagus (Megaesophagus), Inflammation of the Esophagus (Esophagitis), Congenital abnormalities of the esophagus. Surgery to removed the affected lung lobe and repair the esophagus is necessary. Obstructive disorders may cause megaesophagus by physically blocking the esophagus from functioning normally. A dog will try to swallow and end up gagging and vomiting. This type of pneumonia is the most common complication of megaesophagus, upwards of 40% of dogs have pneumonia at the time of their diagnosis. Acquired myasthenia gravis is the most common causes for secondary megaesophagus, but any other disease that affects the function of the esophagus may cause this condition. Supportive therapy for dogs with megaesophagus includes: Raising food and water bowls to let gravity help the eating process. With regurgitation, food, water and saliva come back up without retching and originates within the esophagus, usually without warning. When these soft foods are hand-rolled into bite-sized meatballs, they can stimulate a dog's esophagus to contract and move solids. The cost to treat an esophageal foreign body varies greatly based on your location in the country, the object that is stuck, how long the object has been stuck, and the method used to retrieve it. This treatment is done under general anesthesia. SOURCES: What is the best way to remove a blockage in a dog's esophagus? If your dog has an oesophageal blockage, giving a home remedy could cause more problems, such as damaging the delicate structures of the throat. The condition produces a wide range of symptoms. When these soft foods are hand-rolled into In general, smaller dogs are more likely to experience the condition. Both megaesophagus and aspiration pneumonia are usually seen on a chest X-ray. The catheter is a tube that is placed in the esophagus and then advanced to where the stricture occurs. Megaesophagus in dogs is a disorder in which the esophagus gets larger in size and consequently loses its ability to transport food. For objects that have been stuck for a short period of time and are retrieved using endoscopy, cost can range between $750-$1,500. If you can do so safely, gently open your dogs mouth to see if you can see a blockage. In some instances, a dog may develop a stricture (narrowing) within the esophagus that makes it difficult for food to pass through the esophagus. Other medications include pain medications, anti-nausea medications, appetite stimulants, and antibiotics. Treatment of the stricture by stretching it with a balloon catheter has been successful. Regurgitation is the backward flow or effortless evacuation of fluid, mucus, or undigested food from the esophagus. Although researchers have seen a dramatic improvement in many dogs' conditions, surgery is not considered a complete cure. Other prescription medications increase muscle tone in the lower esophagus, reducing the amount of acid that escapes upward. She has a varied career treating all creatures great and small in the Lake District. Signs and symptoms are more obvious when the esophagus is completely blocked, as compared to a partial obstruction. Also, monitor how they do with these types of treats when they get close to having them completely chewed. Coughing. Fluoroscopy: This test is similar to an x-ray but is performed in real-time during swallowing to assess the esophagus ability to contract. Surgery may improve the quality of your pet's life and reduce the instances of megaesophagus. If your dog is coughing but there doesnt appear to be anything stuck, then the blockage may be further down,behind the tongue. Megaesophagus can also occur as a result of injury of the esophagus, cancer, the presence of a foreign object in the esophagus, or compression of the esophagus. Finally, many dogs require a stomach tube while they are recovering. Picture credit: BilevichOlga / Getty Images). Your dog may require a gastric feeding tube. Large diverticula can trap food in the pouch, causing the dog to have trouble breathing after eating, vomit, or stop eating. Left untreated, objects may create holes in the esophagus, which in some instances can allow air or fluid to build up around the lungs and lead to breathing issues. Sudden and excessive drooling, gagging, regurgitation, and repeated attempts to swallow are signs of an esophageal foreign object.

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