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.

 

 

 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I love this idea. I'm gonna try it with my guys.

[F, Calla & Luca]

This is promising.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Praying for you and JD to get a real diagnosis and speedy recovery.  <luv3 & {{hugs}} from me and the furkids

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Suzann. And we are hoping and waiting to hear that R & B are feeling fine again, too! Hugs to you & your crew from me & JD.

[Pat and Traveler]

Ahhhhhhh.....damn.  Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about Jack's illness.  It must be horrible for both of you.  Hugs and prayers to you--you're in our hearts.  Toss a few balls to JD for Trav--hope the docs will figure out what's wrong or this will just pass on its mysterious way. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Pat!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Oh Karen... I just read your post, I am so sorry to hear JD is not feeling well.  It is very frustrating to have a sick dog and not be able to find out exactly what is wrong.  I went thru it with Sasha when she was a puppy and still never had a firm diagnosis with 2 hospital stays within 3 months.  Thank God she has never had a 3rd relapse and is healthy as a horse now.  Anyway, I just wanted to say that Sasha, Oliver and I are saying our Doodle prayers that JD is feeling better soon.  Hugs... B, S & O

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks so much, Barbara!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes, JD is famous from coast to coast and has fans out here in Oregon rooting for him and you!  My DH even knows who JD  is!! :) The fact that he is doing so well after 3 weeks of this challenge is a testimony to the wonderful care he receives on a daily basis! Hoping and praying the new treatment works and soon!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Aw, thanks so much, Ricki!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Roberta!

[Megann Eichner]

I have been following this discussion for awhile, and I am so sorry that you and JD are going through this.  I hope and pray that you have the right answers and treatments soon so that you can both get rest, and back to normal. I'm sure there are many more like me out there who are silently following this and praying and hoping for the best for both of you.

Megann