A Diagnosis of Sorts and A Lot More Questions

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jackdoodle's biopsy report came back yesterday; we now have a name for what this is, but no clear answer as to what caused it or what to do about it. His treatment plan is going to involve a collaboration between his internist, his allergist, and his regular vet, and apparently we may be getting the UC-Davis veterinary nutrition department involved, too. This being the weekend before Christmas, things are still on hold until his regular vet and I can talk to his allergist. The internist left town for the holidays yesterday. I would not have posted an update yet, but so many of you have asked about him, I wanted to up-date you.

JD has severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease, specifically the following conditions:

1. Lymphoplasmacytic Enteritis

2. Eosinophilic Enteritis

3. Chronic Hypertrophic Pyloric Gastropathy

How these conditions relate to each other, how he developed them and why, we don't know yet. There can be many causes, and sometimes there's no way of knowing which it is. There does appear to be an immune-mediated/allergic component.

Treatment will involve dietary changes and medications including some kind of immunosuppressant.

:(((

Some of the drugs being discussed are very heavy-duty drugs, with some very serious side-effects, and will probably cancel out his current immunotherapy treatment for his Atopic Dermatitis. Have to talk to his allergist to find out. And you can be sure I am going to do an awful lot of research before taking that route.

He also has developed a B12 deficiency, probably because of all the inflammatory/digestive issues, and will require B12 shots every week for a few months. That's the easiest and clearest part.

I am still a little bit shell-shocked and trying to sort all of this out and wrap my brain around the fact that my poor guy has to deal with yet another chronic illness, more meds, more lifestyle restrictions, etc. But so many of you have asked about him, I wanted to let you know what's going on.

And thank you all again for your caring and concern. He may be sick, but beyond a doubt, he has a lot of wonderful people who love him and and are rooting for him, and that has to count in his favor.

Hugs to you all.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sherri.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

PS: Sherri, find me someone who has a large, older dog on cyclosporine (Atopica), who can tell me their experiences.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

that's like finding a needle in a hay stack, but then, they did prove on Myth Busters that it actually is possible to find a needle in a hay stack so you never know.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Probably the best way would be to walk barefoot through the haystack. :)

 

[Becka]

Karen, this must be a lot to take in--I wish you and Jack all the best. Sending lots of belly rubs and ear scritches!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Becka.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Sandy.

[Jess and Pippin]

So sorry to hear about this Karen.  It is a lot to take in.  If any consolation, at least now you know exactly what you are dealing with and can move forward.  Give JD a kiss from us.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jess.

[BG and Gavin]

Well if there was ever a dog-human team that was best equipt to soldier through this big mess, it is JD and you.  That probably does not bring you much comfort, however.  I hope Jack is not suffering too much and you are able to get him well-managed with a good treatment plan.  Gavin wanted me to tell you that tennis balls make everything feel better.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, BG. I'm afraid the tennis balls are in storage for the winter, but we are playing with his rope ball and his new stuffed ball-shaped moose, lol.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Karen, I just don't know what to say.  I have read through all the others comments and they have said it all perfectly.  You and JD are constantly on my mind.  When I look at Gracie Doodle I think of Jackdoodle as if he were her best friend even though they have never met.  You comment about getting your hands on the breeder who bred his parents makes me think of all his siblings and what they all might be going through.  And, I bet they don't have owners as special as you.  That is the really sad part.  These Doodles are like our children and we will do anything for them.  Like everyone else, I so wish we all lived closer and there was something we could do for you.  All we can do is send you both our love and prayers.  Please give JD a huge hug and a kiss on his perfectly wonderful Doodle nose!  xo