Jake's Blood Test Results

[Nothing To Do With Doodles]

The vet called this morning and he is quite suprised. Jake's blood work didn't indicate anything really. His white count is fine, liver and kidney levels seem fine, in fact he said that he was amazed that such an old dog (17) had such good results on so many levels. So we are no closer to an answer. Vet gave him a shot of dexamethesone yesterday that's why he perked up so well after we got home. Once the drug wore off, he was in much the same state as he was before the vet's visit.

The vet is going to give me a liquid version of this drug, a powerful corticosteroid, that is being used in this case as a anti-inflammatory to use on Jake for a week. Then we'll reassess his situation. Vet wants a series of x-rays to help determine if there is something else going on.

Much of the problem is his back end. His bad hip/leg is really weak as I can see when he walks he's having quite a hard time moving forward. But not all is lost. He had some more of the medication today and he ate a good dinner. Also thank heavens he finally had a poo. I was so worried about that aspect of things. But a bit of slippery elm bark seemed to work to get things moving again.

I have to admit that Jake may just be experiencing extreme old age symptoms. And I also fear it may not be something we can do much about.

[BG and Gavin]

What a trooper Jake is.  Hopefully this is just a little blip and he will shake it off an be back to his old self again.

[Amy and Lily]

I am happy to hear his blood work came back good.  Give yourself a little more snuggle time.  Hope all goes well!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Andrea, I'm sorry I don't know which dog is Jake? Do you have a 17 yr old doodle?

[Jennifer and Jack]

That is what I am wondering too! She does have it under the category of nothing to do with doodles though. Either way steroids do help with inflammation that is for sure! Praying for no more pain for your Jake!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Hoping for the best for you and Jake. Thank you for taking such good care of this sweet old guy. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thanks Andrea. What a nice thing for you to do for Jake. You are certainly giving him great senior years, especially with a good diet and two doodle buddies to play with. The good report on his blood work is a good sign and I hope he stays comfortable.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

So sweet of you Andrea for giving him his Sr. life!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you for taking Jake and giving him a good life.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I will pray that Jake feels better and has more time with you.

[Leslie and Halas]

It sounds like you've done a lot for Jake, and he's a big part of your family. I hope he starts feeling better soon.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Poor Jake, I hope he starts to feel better soon.  That was awesome that you took him in and gave him a 2nd chance at life in a different surrounding.  Hugs to you and Jake.

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Hope Jake starts feeling better soon.  It was so good of you to take him in and give his such a good life in his later years.