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.

 

 

 

[Rachel and Ollie]

I thought so but just wanted to throw it out there...I know it's a simple solution, so I was hoping. I know the dog foods I read that said grain free often still contained gluten but I may not be looking at the right ones! I kept reading and it sounds like he is doing a little better!

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

Karen, thanks for taking the time to post this. Me and my guys are thinking of you and hoping for more definitive news for your sake.

Being as he has been this sick this long and is still his happy go lucky self and not weak or dehydrated speaks volumes about his resolve and overall health going into this and your exemplary care in seeing that all that can be done is being done for him,

Please try to take care of yourself and update as you have time.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Aw, Sue, thanks for those kind words.

There is a good chance that we may be coming to the "dark side" permanently, and I will need all the help I can get!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Karen,

I'm glad you posted.  You have been there for ALL of us on food, upset tummies, sick dogs, suggestions, support... You just have always been there for all of us.  . It is just natural for all of us to love you and Jack, wonder and worry with you.

Jack, buddy, Hang in there. I know you will get better soon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks Joanne, again! It means a lot.

[BG and Gavin]

Stay strong Karen and Jack.  We will continue to keep a good thought for you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Linda!

[ClarkP]

JD... you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Let's get better buddy!

With lots of love and scratches behind the ears to you -- and hugs to Karen,

Clark

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Clark, hugs to you, too!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

I've been so caught up in "real" life that I've only been able to pop on DK for a quick look.  Somehow I missed the fact that Jack is sick!  I am so sorry to hear what he's been going through, and therefore what you've been going through. I know that "the unknown" is what makes this issue with JD so much worse.  Hopefully, the meds will do what they're supposed to (help him keep the food down) and that overall answers will come SOON.  I'm adding my prayers and positive thoughts to those of the others!!    

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Deanna!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Big hugs and doodle kisses for you and Jack. Waiting for good news to come your way soon.