An Update On JD For All of Our Wonderful Friends

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

By rights, this should go in the Health and Medical Issues Group, if anywhere. I hate posting a discussion in the general forum about sicknesses and problems, and I'm not looking for advice, but the response to my posts in the Food Group, the PMs and requests for updates from our friends here on DK has been so overwhelming, I thought I would just do it this way. Blog approval takes too long, and I'm really exhausted both physically and mentally. If there is one good thing that has come out of JD's illness, it's that I am blown away by the genuine caring and concern that our friends here have for him. Moved to tears, in fact.

Anyway, in a nutshell, JD has been ill for almost three weeks now. Started with lack of appetite, progressed to his not being able to keep his food down after his appetite returned. No fever, no diarrhea, no behavioral changes.

He does not ever, ever eat anything he shouldn't, and he is never unsupervised for one minute.

Food is not moving normally through his digestive tract, regardless of what kind, including homecooked and dehydrated raw. The food comes back up looking pretty much the way it did when it went in, even after more than 4 hours. No retching or heaving, either. Drinking water can set it off. He can hold down plain cooked poultry or beef with rice as long as he gets very small amounts at a time. THIS IS NOT A FOOD ISSUE.

He has lost over 5% of his body weight in the past two weeks.

He is not (and has never been) lethargic, his behavior is normal, he wants to play, and his appetite is ravenous.

We've been to the vet 4 times in the past two weeks, costs are past $1800. Numerous X-rays have been done, full blood chemistry panels, stool specimens, an ultrasound, and now a barium swallow. The latter is the only thing that showed anything, and the Xrays have been sent out to the radiologist for opinions on what it might be and whether an endoscopy is next on the list.  

We have ruled out pancreatitis, parasites, infections or viruses, liver issues, kidney issues, any kind of obstruction or blockage, and (ThankYouGod) megaesophagus.  

It does appear that the problem is with the upper part of the GI tract, probably esophageal, and the food is not moving through the digestive tract as rapidly as it should, again regardless of what kind or form we try. 

(The Xrays also showed that JD has osteoarthritis in his lower lumbar spine. This of course has nothing to do with the digestive issues, it's just more unhappy news I didn't need right now.)

JD is on three different meds now to help him keep the food down and prevent further irritation, and is to be fed 1 cup of cooked meat/chicken and rice 4x/day, while we wait for more answers.

Anyway, that's where we're at right now. Again, this is just an update to our friends who have expressed concern, we are doing everything we can. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every single person who has asked about him, both privately and publicly, because it's honestly what's helping us get through this. Hugs to you all.

 

 

 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

it's going ok, but I haven't noticed any changes yet. it seems like the itchy spots keep changing. it's been his ears lately.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, they do say it takes 8-12 weeks, so hopefully things will improve.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so sorry sweet JD has been sick for so long. How scary for you! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope to hear soon that JD is doing great.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Laurie. Hope I haven't missed any blogs while this has been going on, lol!

[GBK]

As always you and JD are in my prayers and thoughts daily Karen.  Thanks for the update and I hope they come up with a diagnosis soon.  It is the hardest thing to wait and worry about someone you love and who is helpless and hurting! 

We love you too...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Gina! We love you, too.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thank you for updating us on JD's mystery illness.  There cannot be anything worse than not knowing what the cause is but I am glad that at least a lot of possible causes have been ruled out.  Both of you are on my mind and I'm wishing hard that you will have an answer soon and that it is something that can easily be cured. Big Hugs to JD and lots of love to you too XXXX

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jared.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Nicky!

[Christine & Shelby]

So sorry to hear about your sweet JD being sick.   Shelby and I send our love and doodle kisses!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Christine.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Of course this update belongs on the main forum!  JD is probably the most famous Dood in DKland.  Plus he's the President of the International Association of Naked Doodles.  Karen, you have helped so many of us through our struggles with sick Doodles over the past few years.  Whenever one of us has a sick dog, the first thing we say is "what will Karen say?".  We all want to be here for you in the same way that you have been for us.  I have no knowledgeable insights, but I love our Jack and just want him to be better....so he can eat that himalayan chew and stop worrying his Mom and his Aunt Jane.