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.

 

 

 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Actually I have found that the pills are the easiest, and the measurements more accurate.  Administering can be a PITA until you find a way that works for you.  Whatever works.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Those last two are the same. I think you meant

cernia, but maybe he no longer needs that if he's stopped vomiting. Of course, maybe that's why he stopped.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You're right F, I'm punchy. I did mean Cerenia and Prilosec.

[Linda Karell]

Hugs from Chervil and me.  I hope this mystery is solved soon. No one has more information and kindness--or is more generous with it--than you.  JD is so lucky to have you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Aw, thanks, Linda, and hugs back to you & Chervil!

[Stella]

Popped by to see how things are going.  Glad to hear that JD is keeping some food down, although it must be horrible to see him hungry all the time.  Hoping that you get some answers from the vet tomorrow.  Thinking of you guys.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Stella!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I just checked in to see how Jack is doing. He is in our thoughts and I can't wait until he feels great again.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Laurie. I can't wait either!!!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It sounds like JD's diagnosis is not including some of the serious things you feared were wrong, and he is showing improvement. This is great news.  I remember years ago our old Springer got very ill - so ill we thought we needed to put her down. However, she totally recovered and no one ever figured out what actually made her ill - virus, poison, physical abnormality ... 

Ned, Clancy, Gordie, and I continue to send our recovery wishes to JD

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Nancy.

I am just baffled by this. It makes me feel helpless. If the best you can do isn't enough to keep them healthy...then what?

Thanks so much, and I hope Gordie's recovery is progressing with a minimum of stress!

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Karen, the best you can do just improves the odds. But sometimes that isn't enough and in the long run it's never enough. Yet whether healthy or sick we can make life better and more comfortable. Sad but true.