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]

Thanks, Les! Hugs to you and our pal Halas!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I am so sorry you and JD are going through this scary situation.  I hope a definitive diagnosis is found soon and that it is something minor.  Thank you for posting this update.   I saw references to JD not feeling well and couldn't find the posts where you talked about what was wrong.  We will be thinking about you every day until you post good news.  

Linda, Webber and Seda

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Linda!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Doodle kisses coming from Knox!  Prayers coming from me!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Doris.

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

Karen this sounds Exactly how I felt when I had a particularly nasty flare up of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) I lost over 20 lbs in a span of 2 mths  it sure if dogs can get it or not but I am now on a medicine called  Methscpolam which has really lessened the severity of flare ups. I do hope JD feels better soon it is no fun when food is not going down or staying down. Hang in
There !

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Dogs do get IBS, but this is something else. Thanks, Robyn!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I do think you are on the right track now Karen and that JD will be on the mend. Take care of yourself, JD and countless others are depending on you. The good news is that it seems JD is not in distress, not dehydrated and so he will be a little thinner when he gets well, hopefully soon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We're on that track thanks to you, too, F. It's funny how reluctant the vets are to consider the upper part of the GI tract as opposed to the lower part. "My friend the MD" was quoted a couple of times in the consultation yesterday, and it helped!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good.

[Rachel and Ollie]

Well this is probably not it but can dogs get celiac? It does effect the small intestines and is diagnosed by an endoscopy... I have but I have no idea about dogs... Sending prayers your way!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Rachel. Dogs do get Celiac disease, but I don't think that would be JD's problem because he has been on a grain-free diet for several years.