The final word on Jack

[Jennifer and Jack]

I just spoke to the specialist today about Jack. From his Ultra sound he had done that shows inflamed bowel loops, to his lack of appetite, to his sometimes liquid poops. He has been diagnosed with IBS... They strongly feel that Jack has taken on the job of thinking he has to take care of me. They reminded me that that is how he became a working dog without training, He was able to tell when I was going to go into respiratory distress before I even could and he would alert me

 

HIs lab work they draw on him directly co relates to how sick I am. When I am doing well, his lab work is normal, when I am really struggling, the poor boys thyroid and cortisol levels act up. I would imagine more people might find that with their dogs too,  if they had lab work drawn on their dogs. I don't know, I spent thousands, well insurance did to discover this..

 

We are starting him on Pepcid AC 5mg daily and he will be getting some other standard medications. He is going to actually have a doggie colonoscopy because they need to biopsy his intestines... I have no idea what he is going to have to drink to clear himself out of even if that is how they do it but they can be the ones to give it to him, I have to almost suffocate him holding his mouth shut and massaging his neck to get him to swallow a beef liver heartworm pill.

 

I will hear back later today when that is scheduled... I think it is so sad and shows just how much our dogs are in tune with us, love us and need us.

 

It is sad to me that Jack took this job upon himself because I can't do anything about it.  I am thinking of maybe sending him back to daycare for a few days a week just so he can get away from me.. He already goes on play dates with my neighbor......

 

So hopefully the Pepcid and other medications will get Jack feeling better soon.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Jennifer, At least you now know and that in itself is a good thing.  I think daycare would be an excellent idea as one strategy in order to help Jack.

[Sharon & Monty]

Oh my what perplexing news.  I've never known nor heard that a dog would do this.  We all want our dogs to be in tune with us, who knew?  Sorry about baby Jack and of course sorry that you have been doing poorly yourself.  Paws crossed that both of you get a clean bill of health soon!  Best wishes.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Jennifer, it must put your mind at ease a little bit to have a diagnosis now (finally!)  I was surprised to hear that dogs can be that in tune to us.  amazing.  I agree that daycare would be good for jack.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am glad you have a diagnosis and quite frankly, it does not surprise me.  Dogs are so in tune to how we feel and Jack just gets torn up (literally) when you are not at your best.  I agree with you about daycare -that might be a good idea for him.  Hang in there! Aren't you happy it is not some huge life-threatening disease???

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

The good news is you know what you thought you knew was right!  Now, don't give yourself a case of the "Guilties" over any of this!  It's really not a surprise, or sad...just unfortunate that they are so atuned to us at bad times.  Such is life!  We love it when they are lock-step with us during our good times, so it just comes as part of the package that they are tight with us during our down times, too.  Jack is a doll, and you are totally super!  How lucky that you two have each other!  Get well soon, you two!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thanks it is hard not to feel guilty, I can do guilt really well it is my specialty...I am trying not to feel bad..

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Don't feel guilty. Heck I had a bad cold and stayed home half the day yesterday. Both dogs would NOT LEAVE MY SIDE. It was sort of annoying. I got hot from all that body heat. DH had to physically remove the dogs from my side to get them to go outside. And that was just a little sniffling/sneezing.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

So glad they figured it out, hope he feels better soon. Daycare options would be great if he does ok there. What a sweet boy.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Gosh I think I cause my distress to him trying to get him to swallow the Pepcid then the Pepcid will actually do good...  Thanks for you kind words....

 

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so glad that you finally got a diagnosis and that it really is not a serious disability.  What a relief that must be to you.  I think daycare times would be an excellent solution for both of you.  I know you must be feeling guilt for being the 'cause' of Jack's discomfort, but, on the other hand, how comforting to know that your dog is so in tune with your needs.

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

Wow I am happy for you that you found the answers you were looking for. I finally get my puppy in three days and I can only hope that she will be as special and connected to us as your Jack is to you.

You mentioned pet insurance covering the costs. I was all for the pet insurance, and then I read an article about it being a scam. I will be doing raw food, as this is how Marabelle was raised by the breeder. Are you happy with the results? and do you know if it will be a problem with the raw food in the claims process?

 

Just currious,

 

Rhonda Krieger

[Jennifer and Jack]

I have Pet Plan, I chose the gold plan with zero co insurance 50 deductible. I have already in Jack's two and half years of being alive had about 10 years worth of premiums paid.

 

They have never asked what I feed Jack. The only paper work they required was his medical records when I signed him up. He was signed up by six months and at that time didn't have any health problems, he may have been signed up before then

 

I feel like Pet Plan is by far the best plan there is.  They even have a new thing that if your vet approves they will pay the vet directly and you don't have to pay up front, only your portion due.

 

I  highly recommend it..and hope you never need it