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]

Glad he's home. Happy napping!

[Susan and Sasha]

Ahhhhhhh....

Napping together...

Sweet...Sweet Dreams...Cuddling Together...Bliss...

Enjoy...

You both deserve and need to rest...you've been through So much!

We All have your backs covered...so rest well our dear friends....

[Suzanne & Jack]

So glad that you and Jack are finally on the road to getting some answers.  Like everyone else has said we're all praying for you and Jack.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

I honestly think that Jack hit the JACK-pot when he got you as his doodle-mom!  And you hit the JACK-pot, too!  I hope you both can get some rest over the next few days.  So glad he is home...

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Glad to hear he is home and eating his chicken and cream of wheat.  Hopefully things continue to go well and you get some positive answers soon.  Hugs to JD from Lucy and Sophie.

[Christine & Camus]

Home is good, eating is good, naps are wonderful.  So glad to hear he was able to go home.  Sleep tight.

[Leslie J]

So glad your boy is home... so much for comfortable for both him and you.  I hope you have a nice, uneventful weekend of enjoying your reunion.

[cheryl & oliver]

Such great news that he is home with you Karen, and I am sure he will be more like himself tomorrow.  You need to rest too.  HUgs to both of you.  Karen, is their a possibility that Jack has Crohns disease???...When they diagnosed my son he had a lot of the same things you are telling us that Jack has.  The ulcers, the inflamation, the stenosis.  I know it may sound nuts, but I wonder if it is a possibility... or do dogs even get that? They can have IBS, so why not Crohns? Anyway hugs to both of you, and I will check tomorrow for further updates...Still saying a prayer for JD, and for you too and hugs to both of you....Cheryl

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Karen, I hope you  and Jack got some rest.  I have been thinking of both of you and sending my best get well wishes.  I LOVE cream of wheat and hope Jack loves it too.  Perhaps he can pretend it is something posing as meat....

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I do hope that you have both had some rest and that JD is (relatively) back to himself after the anesthetic and extensive procedure  Thinking of you both and sending positive messages of hope and well being to JD and some good news when those results come back. X

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Glad you are home TOGETHER.  The next few days will be tough - waiting-wise, but hang in there and feel free to vent to us as usual :)  HUGS

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

Wow...I just read the last 8 pages of this thread to catch myself up. Poor JD. I really hope the test results come back with an easily-treatable solution. Lots of doodle cuddles, keep us updated!