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.

 

 

 

[BG and Gavin]

Okay, got the info, now we wait for the treatment plan.  Always feel much better when I actively work on the treatment plan.  Be good to yourself tonight.  Jack will probably be too tired to miss you, which is good.

[Pat and Traveler]

Awwwwww....heart wrenching news.  So so sorry the big guy has this problem, and sorry you have to be away from him for a while.  Prayers and paws crossed for him to feel better.  He's a lucky guy to have you, Karen.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Heart sick over this ....was so hoping he was on the mend from whatever made him sick. The IBD article was very interesting, sounds very similar doesn't it?

I am sorry big JD won't be home with him mommy but I also know he is feeling the love from each and everyone of us.

Praying for you and JD.

{{{hug}}}

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hey Karen, still sending all the pawsitive vibes we can your way. I'm sure he's gonna be better real soon. :o)

[Leslie and Halas]

At least you're getting closer to a diagnosis.  Sorry he has to spend the night there, but he's in good hands.  He'll probably be pretty out of it.  Halas and I send hugs.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I am thinking about you at the Vet loving on Jack.  I can hardly imagine how hard it must be to see him sick and have to leave his side.  No wonder  eating was hard, with his digestive system all inflamed, bless his heart. Knowing what is going on is half the battle and I am encouraged that it looks like inflammatory bowel disease.  That is treatable.  Is is possible that some of the medications he has to take could have caused the problem?  I wish I could sit with you in the waiting room.  Try to get some sleep and let us know when you have an update.  Hugs and Doodle kisses to Jack and you.

[GBK]

We have everything here crossed for JD!!  I'm having a drink for you :)  Can't wait for good news tomorrow.

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

Thinking about you both tonight. I hope it's a peaceful night for both and things look brighter in the morning.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Karen...Jackdoodle is getting the best possible prayers, wishes and love being sent his way.  There is not a dry eye or lack of love for that sweet boy.  Everyone here on DK loves JD and we all are doing what we can from our far distances to help you get through this.  I really wish we could all fly back there and surround you in love and support.  Just knowing that we all are here for you is the best we can do right now.  Please feel our love and support for both you and Jackdoodle!  xo

[Christine & Camus]

Karen,  I am so sorry to hear that Jack is so sick and hope the vet is able to resolve the problem now that they know what is going on with him. My brother was born with pyloric stenosis and was operated on as an infant, he healed and was A-okay.  (Don't know if it is the same in humans and dogs.)  My prayers and thoughts for you and Jack.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It can be the same but Jack's is not a congenital condition but rather something caused by what is going on with him now.

[cheryl & oliver]

Karen, I just got home and ran to see if there was news on JD.  I feel so bad , wish u lived closer I would be there in a minute to sit with you, or just be there for support.  We all would be for you.  You need to go and get some rest, I know it is not really a possibility, but JD is going to be sleeping, and hopefully tomorrow the news will be good and he will start treatment to get him well....Please know that you and Jack are on my mind, and we look forward to hearing some good news soon about him.  Hugs and prayers are coming your way from your friends here in Florida...Cheryl, Oliver and Renny...