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.

 

 

 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

XXXOOO back atcha, Nancie!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Where is nurse Gracie's photo, Nancie?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, JD says there's nothing like a pretty nurse to make a guy feel better!

[Leslie J]

I'm so sorry that JD has been so sick!  Having someone you love sick with a mystery illness must be so incredibly stressful for you.  I hope that things start improving soon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Leslie.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Keep us posted.  I am thinking of you both a lot right now. There is not much worse than dealing with a sick pet and you don't know what is wrong.  UGH.  Emotionally and mentally draining. Been there, done that, wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.  HUGS KAREN & JD WE LOVE YOU!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know you know, Allyson. Thanks, we love you too!

[Kim]

Still praying for you and JD!!!  I hate that helpless feeling when kids & pets are sick :(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Kim.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Thanks for the update ... been thinking of you and JD!  We will be continuing to watch for your updates and holding you all in our thoughts and prayers.  Hugs and DKisses from Lucy and Sophie for JD!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sheri! Kiss the girls for us!