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.

 

 

 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Karen, we couldn't love you more if we were right there with you. Wishing some of us could be. I'm out of town visiting relatives. Everyone in my family is asking about Jack. I continue to pray for both of you. This is such a hard time to wait through. I'm sorry. Hoping for a great treatment plan and great results. 

[Susan and Sasha]

Just got home and ran straight for the computer to check on JD and you Karen...

Keeping up the positive thoughts and prayers...and hope the night brings a restful sleep for both of you!

Great Big  Hugs being sent your way from Sasha and Me...

[Lauria Orr]

Oh, Karen, you and Jack are very much on my mind right now.  It sounds like he is in very capable hands. I am amazed at the extent of the inflammation and hope they can give you answers very soon as to what could be causing this. I am hopeful an effective treatment is coming soon, and would be thrilled to hear of it . Thank you for keeping us posted.  You and Jack are uplifted by so many of us who who are devoted to you both. Godspeed....

[Carol and Banjo]

Checking in this morning.....hoping, praying today brings better news.....((((HUGS))))) to you both Karen and Jack!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thinking of you and Jack this morning....I'm sure you can't wait to get your guy and bring him home with you.  Today is a new day, and the best thing is that now you will have the answers you needed so badly.  If it is IBD, there are lots of us here who can help. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am checking in this morning for any word on JD. I hope today gives you some answers.

[Susan and Sasha]

Checking in this morning to see how JD and you are doing today Karen?

I hope you both rested well last night...and today will bring some answers to start JD on the road to recovery!

Our thoughts... prayers and support continue  to be with both of you...

Great Big Hugs Coming Your Way...

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Good Morning Karen, stopping in to see how JD and you are. Thinking Healing Thoughts and Loving Wishes. Hope today is the beginning to getting well.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Me too, I have things to do but I'll be checking back hoping for some good news.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Just checking in here and hoping for good news on JD.  I will check back again soon.  Thinking of you Karen and wishing hard for you.

[Stella]

Popped by to see if there was any news yet today.  Do you know when you will be able to bring him home?  How long will it take for the biopsy results?  Hopefully he is feeling better after his night at the vets and some meds & rehydration.  I'm sure that you had a rough night though.  Love & hugs to you both, will be thinking about you today. xxxx

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Good Morning Karen, waiting patiently for the [good] news... Check back in later.