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.

 

 

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Forgive me for laughing here: ROFL!

JD would not stoop to eating bread, it's always well within his reach but he ignores it, being that he is the ultimate carnivore. (Well, except for lima beans.) But he thanks N & C for their suggestion, and says to tell them that next time they should wait for the hot dogs instead.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We were pretty shocked at this buns incident and tried to blame the visiting whippets who instinctively will steal anything edible.  However, we soon realized that the whippets had been sequestered in another area of the house, so it was back to blaming Ned and/or Clancy. At least they left the bag intact so we didn't have to worry about any 'blockages.'  I am sure that all 5 dogs would prefer the hot dogs but the sneaky parents keep the hot dogs IN the fridge.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I knew a doodle who could open the refrigerator!

[Carol and Banjo]

Karen....JD must be related to my brother.   He's a odd duck.....the only vegetable he'll eat is lima beans!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Hello Jack, Daisy here, just wanted to send sniffs and kisses and let you know I am dreaming of a run in the snow with you to chase tennis balls.

Mommy sends her love too!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Daisy. I am not feeling very well this a.m. My mom is waiting for the vet to open.

I would love to run in the snow with you! There was snow on the grass in my yard for the very first time this a.m.!

I hope I get better soon so we can play in it!

Hugs from your friend,

Jackdoodle

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh no, Karen.  Please let us know what's going on after you talk to the Vet. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes, do please.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I just talked with Karen, and she's on her way to a Specialist with Jack.  He had explosive diarrhea very early this morning.  Please everyone have your Doodles cross their paws that she gets some answers today.   Poor JD and JD's Mom.

[Carol and Banjo]

Ohhhhhhhhh.......poor Karen......she needs all of our prayers.    Thanks for the update Jane.   This just seems so unfair.....

[Susan and Sasha]

Thank you for the update Jane...

We're keeping JD and Karen in our thoughts and prayers!

I sure do hope that they get the answers they need...

Sending Great Big Hugs from Sasha and Me...

 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Oh no! I'm so worried! Crossed paws and figners over here. Get better Jackdoodle - we love you!!