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.

 

 

 

[Sharon & Monty]

I hear you Deanna. Taking care of my dad, but the real take care stuff is just around the corner.  :(   I hate this.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

It's hard all year long, but it's especially difficult during the Christmas season!  Strength to you!

[Leslie and Halas]

I'm glad he's starting to feel better!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I never thought I would be so happy to read a post about poop!! LOL! I'm glad that all systems are returning to normal!  I hope you two were able to get some much needed rest this weekend!

[Susan and Sasha]

Thanks for the update Karen...

So glad you and JD got some much needed rest!

We will continue to pray...and hope to hear Good reports...

Lots of Love and Great Big Hugs from Sasha and Me...

[Jennifer and Jack]

Great!!!

[Beth Fozzie and Ember]

glad to hear!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Good news!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I'm so behind on all the news but when I saw - what a relief!  I'm praying that Jack continues to get well and that there is a wonderful Holiday Season for you both!!!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Is there any update on JD... I keep checking and checking,   and a Karen update would be good too.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Here's what Karen posted in the food group earlier today:

"Yep, F, and I'm housebound waiting to talk to the vet, so may as well get some "work" done.

He's doing pretty well, brought up a meal yesterday but otherwise keeping everything down and his poop is fantastic, considering. :)"

He's doing pretty well, brought up a meal yesterday but otherwise keeping everything down and his poop is fantastic, considering. :)"

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, F.

Unless something bad happens, there won't be any news until the biopsy results come in later in the week. No news is good news, right?