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.

 

 

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Gobbling up his food and a semi-normal poop....life is good. 

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

Glad to hear that JD is improving!!!

 

He has been in our thoughts.

 

Hugs and kisses.

[BG and Gavin]

Well this is a postive step in the right direction for sure!  The poop never lies!  LOL

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

I'm so glad to here Jackdoodle is feeling better.  Hope he continues to improve.

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

Great news! I'm so glad things are starting to look up. Doodle kisses from Lola!

[Lauria Orr]

I am so happy Jack is doing as well as he is now!  What a huge relief!  I know there is work ahead, and he has the best Mom a dog could ask for, to get him through this.

You know, we decided on the Doodle breed as a result of babysitting a co-worker's Goldendoodle, Josie. She was the sweetest dog.  At one point my co-worker went home after work to a mess in Josie's crate, and she was quite ill with bloody diarrhea. After seeking medical care, they made the diagnosis of colitis, determined to be an auto-immune issue. My friend was told that this was a more common issue in these breeds. I had not heard that before, but it makes me wonder. Josie recovered very well after steroids, and I am not sure what else. Josie had this GI issue and skin allergies. I am not sure how she is now, as she has moved, and I have lost touch. Have you heard of GI issues being more prevalent with Doodles?  I had not.  Melody had one bout of bloody diarrhea once, and it was transient, after she had been stressed. Our Vet never made the correlation of GI issues to her breed.

As always, we are sending you and JD many positive wishes for healing.  Rooting for you from afar, Lauria and gang

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so glad to hear that JackDoodle is improving and eating and pooping.  I remember how scary it was when Gordie  had his first CCL surgery when he wouldn't eat or drink or poop or anything.  Any progress is worth celebrating,  Yay!!!

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[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Thanks for the update -- so glad Jack is doing better! Yay!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm thrilled to hear you are seeing some improvement. Yippee for poop! :o)

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

What a lovely post Karen - especially the poop! Pure Joy! Good thing JD has Mommy to scratch where it itches.

[Ginny Nightingale]

My friend recently had adopted a dog from Petfinder with a very similar issue. She had her go to Cornell for a thorough investigation. I have the report--not sure it is that helpful, but I will go to your page and paste in the report. Bottom line was that nothing could be done for the dog. She couldn't keep such an ill dog (she has too many of her own health issues) and Petfinder took her back. 

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

I've been caretaker for my elderly mom and babysitter for my 14 month old all day (talk about opposite ends of the spectrum) so this is the first chance I've had to check in on JD.  Yippee!!  It sounds as if things are improving!!  Let's hope for continued improvement in the tummy/intestines department and a quick end to the itching!!