An Update On JD For All of Our Wonderful Friends

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.

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on December 3, 2011 at 11:29am

Thanks, Nicky!

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Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on December 3, 2011 at 2:18pm

Good news!! Tell JD to stop imbibing the Thanksgiving brandy and he will feel better : )

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Permalink Reply by Lee Seidman on December 3, 2011 at 11:11am

Our prayers for a speedy and full recovery.We know how you feel and what you are going through. Please keep us posted, it hurts so much to see our pups in pain and not be able to tell us what hurts. Lexi and Billy send their love!

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on December 3, 2011 at 11:28am

Thanks, Lee & Barb, and I hope Lexi continues to do well!

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Permalink Reply by Nancie & Gracie Doodle on December 3, 2011 at 12:55pm

Did I hear a call for Nurse Gracie? She is here waiting if anyone needs her. I am afraid though that with her and JDs tennis ball obsession we could be in big trouble. I would have to make sure she doesn't pack her tennis balls. We are so glad that things are looking up a bit. I just don't know if it is all the Doodles that are having problems right now or if it is the holidays quickly approaching, but I have had tears in my eyes a lot the last few days. I am pretty sure it is for the Doodles!!! I just with I could hold, hug and kiss them all!

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on December 3, 2011 at 1:56pm

JD would be in Hog Dog Heaven if Nurse Gracie came to visit, and she doesn't have to pack her tennis balls, he has more than he'll ever use, and I'm sure he will share!

How is she at administering meds, lol?

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Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on December 3, 2011 at 2:17pm

Gracie is looking beautiful and competent as ever.

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Permalink Reply by Bonnie and Kona on December 3, 2011 at 2:29pm

I've been following posts all day on my iPhone but haven't been able to chime in. Just want to say that you and JD continue to be on my mind and in my heart. I just hope there are some answers for you on Monday and that Jack gets better all on his own as the day progresses. Such a worry!