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.

[Adina P]

My first thought when hearing his symptoms was 'Crohn's disease' for humans...which is a form of IBD.  Sorry his diagnosis is so complicated...hopefully whatever treatment he ends up needing goes well.  Poor Jackypoo and you =(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Adina. I think it may be like Crohn's disease, when you google some of the terms, you get websites on human diseases, and Crohn's is mentioned.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I believe to make the diagnosis of Crohn's disease you need the presence of granulomas and the information that Karen was given doesn't mention anything like this.  These inflammatory bowel diseases all have some relationship but it's all murky. Most important is what to do.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep, what to do is THE question.

[Bonnie and Kona]

My DIL has severe ulcerative colitis. It is a difficult diagnosis and sometimes she suffers as much as someone with Crohn's, but it's not the same disease. They have made huge strides in caring for this kind of condition but she does still have flares. I think now that they sort of know what Jack has, he will be on his way to treatment to ease his condition.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Bonnie, I hope so.

[Lauria Orr]

Karen,

I was very sorry to read about Jack's diagnosis. It does sound like a fair amount of work ahead, and I know I join so many who care for you both and wish for this to go as smoothly as possible. I know you will be an excellent advocate for Jack and that his care will be exceptional.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Lauria.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

At the very least you now know what is causing JD to be sick.  I am like you... I reasearch the heck out of everything so I as much knowledge as possible to help myself and more importantly your pet.  We send big doodle hugs and kisses to you and JD..xoxoxox

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Barbara.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Wow, I don't think I would have been able to type this much less understand what it all means.  He is so lucky to have you because you are so good with all of this stuff.  Know that we are thinking of you and sending hugs your way. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sheri. I don't understand it very well, and I had to look at my notes to type it, lol.