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.

[GBK]

Wow, kangaroo, I didn't even know they served that type of kibble......  I hope it agrees with him Karen, he sure desrves a break.  3 lbs in 10 days is really scary, I too hope those steriods kick in soon.  Will be waiting for really good news soon!  I am the eternal optimist and pass it around to everyone I know and love :)

[Jess and Pippin]

Hey Karen.  I know you've probably been inundated with advice etc. but I thought I'd share our experience.  Our cavalier/poodle cross, Sam, had severe, severe epilepsy (also has inflammatory properties).  My vet is trained in western medicine, but also practices using acupuncture, Chinese herbal and homeopathic therapies.  (Yes, she is amazing!!).  Sam was also showing some allergic symptoms and was really skinny, so she recommended novel proteins, no grain and recommended a raw diet for him.  (I realize that is a larger conversation).  However, while researching diets, I came across a company from Australia called Addiction foods.  We ended up feeding Sam their dehydrated raw brushtail formula (think Australian version of possum).  It is costly but fortunately for us, Sam was only 20 ish pounds, so needed a small amount of food.  I believe they also have a kibble version.  He really did well on this formula.  Sam was also treated with a combination of western meds and alternative therapies which really did help to lessen the severity of his seizures.  I empathize with you and know how challenging it is to have a much loved animal with a severe chronic illness.  I don't know if you have access to a vet like this but I know I'm so thankful that we did.  Anyway, hope you find a vet that you trust and can work well with.  That partnership is so important.  Thinking of you both and sending hugs and doodlekisses your way.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jess. JD's allergy specialist is trying to help me find a vet with a less "tradition" viewpoint.

Right now, the challenge is stopping the weight loss and the absorption issues. He likes the new food, but then, he's so hungry I think he would eat my foot if I put it in his bowl. :)

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Glad Jack had his first B12 shot.  I have one every two weeks, they are a bit of a magic bullet but by far the easiest of all the problems Jack has.  I am sending positive thoughts to you that you will find your way through to the best possible solution to manage this for the best possible outcome for Jack.  Whilst it is all a minefield for now there must be a perfect way forward yet to be discovered.  I do hope that you find that way very soon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Nicky.

[Susan and Sasha]

Just checking in to see how both of you are doing...and saw this update Karen...

I do understand that this is a lot to take in. 

Poor JD has been through so much...and because you love him...I know how difficult this must be for you.

What a blessed Doodle he is to have you for a Mom.  I know there isn't anything you wouldn't do to make sure your boy gets the care he needs.

You can count on us to be standing in your corner...sending good thoughts...prayers...love and hugs...and we'll keep them coming...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Susan. Please do keep them coming!

[Melissa & Wesley]

Karen,

I am so sorry to hear about Jack's health. Please know that I am sending positive prayers, hugs and kisses to both you and Jack! They truly are a part of our families and we love them so much!

BIG HUGS AND KISSES!!!!!
Melissa

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Melissa.

[Anna and Achilles]

So sorry you and JD are going through all this. I must be hard to wrap your head around any of it. Maybe when all the Dr. get together they can make some sense of it all. Good luck and thanks for letting us know. Will be thinking of you and praying for both of you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Anna.

[Jennifer and Jack]

In my prayers