Doggy Crohn's Disease?

[lynn bornfriend]

Noah the Golden doodle has been sick, losing weight.  He went for an ultrasound yesterday, and they told me that a portion of his small intestine is se3verely inflamed.  The vet said that this "is seen in his breed."  Has anyone else ever heard of this?  Tomorrow he is seeing a gastroe3nterologist, and will likely have surgery.  Please send healing thoughts.  I love this sweet, goofy boy so much, and cannot bear the idea of something happening to him.  I, and my whole family, need him!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Lynn, in dogs, Crohn's disease is called Inflammatory Bowel Disease. My guy has it. Noah will most likely have an endoscopy, which is much less invasive than surgery, but it does have to be done under general anesthetic. IBD is an immune-mediated disease which can be managed but not cured. Here's some very good information:

http://www.2ndchance.info/inflambowel.htm

Have they run a full IDEXX blood panel? Dogs with this disease usually have a cobalamin (B12) deficiency and may also have an elevated folate level.

It's doubtful that he will need surgery for an inflammation; it's generally treated with medications and IV therapy, unless the endoscopy reveals something else. Try not to panic, Noah is going to pick up on your anxiety, and that will contribute to his problem. JD has been stable for most of the past year. He's not going anywhere soon, and neither is Noah. Good luck, we will be keeping positive thoughts for Noah and for you.

 

[Adina P]

Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis are two types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in humans.  In JD is it more Crohn's like vs. UC like or is it somewhat different than both?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There are different kinds of IBD in dogs, too. JD had inflammation and ulceration throughout the entire GI tract, but his initial symptoms were more indicative of an upper GI issue. He also had pyloric stenosis. He's had symptoms of UC, too. I've never heard the term "Crohn's disease" applied to dogs, though.

A lot of IBD dogs also have protein losing enteropathy (PLE) and lymphangiectasia. It can be a very complicated disease.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so very sorry to hear this. Karen is the best source of information and I see she has given you some good advice. I of course remember sweet, goofy Noah and send my good wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I have no advice but I will send positive thoughts for the best for Noah.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am sending positive thoughts your way for Noah!!

[lynn bornfriend]

They did the blood work--his B12 was low, his folate was abnormal too, and his amylase and lipase were elevated. They said that he would need surgery because his bowel seemed to be so severely damaged that it would be too risky to try the more conservative route. This was the radiologist and the general vet speaking--will certainly rely on the gastroenterologist. The ultrasound also showed that his liver was small and his spleen enlarged. All through this, he continues to play and be a sweet heart, although he is not eating well, and is weaker than usual. As I look back, this has been coming on for a long time, and he was stoic about it. Anyway, will study the information you sent, and give him hugs, kisses and belly rubs all night. Thanks so much for responding!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Sending healing positive thoughts to Noah and you. Karen can help guide you through this. I hope he returns to his goofy sweet self soon.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I have no knowledge of this illness but want to say that I hope Noah is stabilized and feeling better soon. So sorry he and you are going through this rough time. Our healing thoughts and prayers are with him!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so sorry to hear that Noah has this condition. Hoping for the best possible result from the surgery and treatment. 

[DJ & Chance]

Noah, big healing hugs from all of your DK friends are coming your way.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I am so sorry...hopefully if he has the surgery and they take the damaged part of the bowel out and get him on the right medications he will feel better....maybe your vet was wrong and the specialists will say it doesn't need to be removed but if it does...having the really sick part out should help him, I hope


So sorry....I hate when anything is wrong with me baby so I can imagine how you feel.