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]

Karen I'm so sorry. All my pawsitive thoughts coming your way and praying that JD comes home tonight a healthy happy guy.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Karen, my prayers, thoughts love, and anything else I can think of is being directed toward God, asking him to heal your JD..... All my love... I am so sorry....

[Bonnie and Kona]

Praying that the specialists are given the wisdom to correctly diagnose and easily treat Jack's condition. Hoping he can come home tonight and feel remarkably better soon. Sending lots of love and hugs to both of you.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

JD has been in my prayers daily Karen.  {{{HUGS}}}

[Margaret & Pebbles]

Aww, sweet boy, saying prayers for Jack. 

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

So sad.  Sending prayers, positive thoughts and anything else I can find for a good outcome. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I got on to check how JD was doing and am so sorry to hear he is still so sick and undergoing all these tests. Karen, I am sending positive thoughts your way and praying daily for sweet Jack. I hope you get some answers today!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Just now catching up here.  I'm so sorry to hear that JD is not doing well again.  Keeping fingers and paws crossed here that they find some little simple something that can get all this turned around!  Will be watching for updates.

[Stella]

I was so hoping that there would be some better news about JD by now.  You are both in my prayers today (and I'm not even religious!!).  Hopefully, after the testing today, you should get a firmer diagnosis and a definitive treatment plan to get hi o the road to recovery.  Hugs to you both.

[Kim]

:( still praying for you both

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts. The procedure has not started yet. They wanted to rerun some of the tests and make sure that he is strong enough to be put under anesthetic first; check electrolytes, blood coagulation, administer fluids, rerun the bloodwork and some of the Xrays, etc. He was dehyrdrated this a.m., and had an irregular heartbeat, so they have to make sure he's okay. I asked to have the anesthesiologist present throughout the whole thing (didn't know that was optional, good to know for the future), so they are now waiting for her. If all goes well, I will be able to bring him home after 7 pm.

Please keep sending that energy.Love, hugs and gratitude to you all. I will keep you posted.

[F, Calla & Luca]

An anesthesiologist is a good idea since they will have to keep him under for all the procedures and since he had an arrhythmia etc. I'm hoping we hear good news from you later tonight.