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.

 

 

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Give JD a hug from us. I wish we could make him better right away but at least now you have the information you need and that is step one.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Oh Karen I know leaving them is impossible.. I spent many of nights in the emergency room chair waiting... It is good he will have something that smells like you, He is going to sleep well tonight and I know that you won't but you should try, He is going to need you to have your energy and strength.

I agree about being happy, they are so aware of our emotions it is almost impossible to fake them out. Consider yourself loved.. Crossing my toes, fingers, legs, and every other possible body part... saying my prayers....

I wish I could be there with you waiting....making you tea etc...

[Sharon & Monty]

oh gawd damn!   I really want to hear good news, certainly not more than you do Karen. I'm so very sorry this saga continues.  We are sending the best for good news in the morning.  We have you and JD in our prayers.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Oh Karen, I'm SO sorry! This is just unbelievable!! Poor poor dood!  I know it will be a long night for you but please know that we are all sending out our very best healing thoughts for JD and peace for you!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

We all are sending him our thoughts and best possible wishes for a real speedy recovery.  May he dream of tennis balls and you tonight and find some peace.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Leaving him is going to be one of the hardest things to do but the meds and extra fluids will make him feel a whole lot better. If it is IBD it can be treated and managed. I have been doing a little research as I am sure you have but here is a link to an article that has a lot of info that sounds like it could apply to JD. Continuing our prayers and positive thoughts. We'll be looking forward to some good news. Keep your chin up, you have a lot of people praying for you and JD.

http://www.2ndchance.info/inflambowel.htm

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I just read this same article.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL, not only did I find this article and read it, I forwarded it to Jane, too.

[F, Calla & Luca]

GMTA

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

I'm so sorry to hear about Jack.  My eyes were tearing up just reading that you had to leave him tonight.  Hang in there,  we are all thinking of you and sending prayers.   

 

Hugs,

Julie

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Karen, I sure wish I lived closer as I would be there to sit with you. We have everything crossed that we can cross here. Take care of JD and yourself!!

[Phoebe's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear that Jack needs to stay the night but, in the long run, it is probably the best thing for him (though for you, most definitely not).  Jack will be monitored and have the best care at the clinic so please keep thinking about that.  You are both in our thoughts and prayers--I talk about DK and my cyber-friends so frequently in fact that my 8 year old just asked me to check on "Jackdoodle" to see how he was feeling!  Try to get some rest (I do know how hard that will be but Jack is going to need your trength to draw from) we are thinking about you!