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.

 

 

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Susan!

 

[Becka]

Hi Karen, I know I'm chiming in late, but I wanted to say how sorry I am that Jack is sick--I know how frustrated you must be seeing him uncomfortable.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Becka! Frustrated is the word!

[Joy Williams]

Hey Karen, thanks for the updates on JackDoodle. I'm hoping and praying, and keeping everything I've got crossed for you both. I cannot even imagine having to go thru this - especially the unknowns - they're the worst I think. But you & JD both sure do have a LOT of folks pulling for you, so hopefully there will be some good news coming your way real soon. Hang in there!

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Joy! The unknowns are definitely the worst!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Karen, Laurie, Fudge and Vern are sending good thoughts your way. I keep checking for updates and appreciate you taking the time to post them. I am glad to hear JD seems to be improving.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Laurie. Hug the doodles for me.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I'm just checking in and wanted you to know you are both in my thougnts. I will keep sending prayers for continued improvement ! Thanks for the updates.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Not much to report, Sue. Which is good, I think. Thanks!

[Yvonne N]

Oh Karen and Jack...I had no idea.  I'm just heartbroken that all this is going on.  Astro and I are sending the most positive doodle wishes and kisses that you are feeling better soon Jack.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Yvonne!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Hopefully no news is good news.  Ned and Clancy would like to recommend bread - specifically hot dog buns to Jack as a recovery food.  Ned and/or Clancy counter-surfed a new package of buns while we were out.  BTW the bag was totally intact.  Nobody got dinner.....