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.

 

 

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

So glad he is home, go have a nap, the kitchen can wait. I say snuggle up with JD and have a good cuddle.

I don't think anyone is going to be asking for your recipes. :>) Take care.

[Lauria Orr]

So glad you are both home.  Let the healing begin....Thank you for the update, Karen.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much for taking the time to update us, Karen. I know I have been hoping for news all day and I can see many of us have been. You are dearly loved and appreciated and JD is a joy to us all. I hope the two of you can rest well now and hope for the very best next week. I continue to pray that there is an easy fix for this precious boy.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I hope you get a good nap in... Praying for the best possible results.. So happy to hear he ate.... I am sure he will be back to his old self once he realizes where he is...

Clearly you and JD are loved by all of us, I pray you can feel the love surrounding you and JD.

WE love you

[F, Calla & Luca]

This is good news in terms of being home, napping and eating. The rest will follow in good order. Sounds like you are on the right track. Rest with Jack, it's like resting when the baby is napping.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

There's no place like  home.  No one like, Mom.  Have a  restful nap. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Glad to hear Jack is back home. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. I hope you both get some rest!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Sleep well, both of you!  I'm sure it is great to have JD at home finally.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Hugs and kisses to you both.  Hold him tight and fall asleep together!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Get some rest, Karen.  So glad that Jack is home.  You two have really been through an ordeal.  Surely everything will look better after some sleep.  Post when you can.

[Phoebe's Mom]

Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated.  You certainly are an amazing doggie mom.  Try to get some much needed rest.

[Leslie and Halas]

Enjoy your naps.