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.

 

 

 

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

Love and prayers that the answer to JD's illness is found.
And your health doesnt suffer. Stay strong.
We all care and love you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Elizabeth, and love to you, too.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I am sorry, Karen.

Get well, JD.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Lynne.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Oh my goodness Karen. I haven't been on very much for the last little while and I had no idea that JD was going through this. I am thinking of both of you...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Camilla.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Thank you Karen for taking the time to do this, you and JD are never far from our thoughts. We are really praying that he starts to feel better soon. Take care of yourself as well as JD, I am keeping positive thoughts that this something temporary.

Doodle XO's to you and JD.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Doodle XO's to you and Quincy, too, and thanks, Donna.

[Phoebe's Mom]

So terribly sorry to read about all you both have been going through.  You will be in our prayers!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks so much!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thank you so much for the update! Poor JD! Poor you! I hope you get to the bottom of things real soon and get JD back on track. Hugs from me and doodle kisses from S&W!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sherri. Hope things are going well with your crew, too! How's the food trial going?