A Diagnosis of Sorts and A Lot More Questions

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jackdoodle's biopsy report came back yesterday; we now have a name for what this is, but no clear answer as to what caused it or what to do about it. His treatment plan is going to involve a collaboration between his internist, his allergist, and his regular vet, and apparently we may be getting the UC-Davis veterinary nutrition department involved, too. This being the weekend before Christmas, things are still on hold until his regular vet and I can talk to his allergist. The internist left town for the holidays yesterday. I would not have posted an update yet, but so many of you have asked about him, I wanted to up-date you.

JD has severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease, specifically the following conditions:

1. Lymphoplasmacytic Enteritis

2. Eosinophilic Enteritis

3. Chronic Hypertrophic Pyloric Gastropathy

How these conditions relate to each other, how he developed them and why, we don't know yet. There can be many causes, and sometimes there's no way of knowing which it is. There does appear to be an immune-mediated/allergic component.

Treatment will involve dietary changes and medications including some kind of immunosuppressant.

:(((

Some of the drugs being discussed are very heavy-duty drugs, with some very serious side-effects, and will probably cancel out his current immunotherapy treatment for his Atopic Dermatitis. Have to talk to his allergist to find out. And you can be sure I am going to do an awful lot of research before taking that route.

He also has developed a B12 deficiency, probably because of all the inflammatory/digestive issues, and will require B12 shots every week for a few months. That's the easiest and clearest part.

I am still a little bit shell-shocked and trying to sort all of this out and wrap my brain around the fact that my poor guy has to deal with yet another chronic illness, more meds, more lifestyle restrictions, etc. But so many of you have asked about him, I wanted to let you know what's going on.

And thank you all again for your caring and concern. He may be sick, but beyond a doubt, he has a lot of wonderful people who love him and and are rooting for him, and that has to count in his favor.

Hugs to you all.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Well Karen, you know how I feel and already know that you two are in my prayers. Again, hugs from Ohio.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Lisa.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Well, crap.  I am so sorry all this is going on for the two of you.   Try not to be too discouraged.  The doctors may have a cocktail of things that will manage this disease.  While IBS is not a happy diagnosis, I am glad he doesn't have something that would cause you to loose him.  Know that we are thinking about you and wishing you the best possible outcome.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Linda. Unfortunately, it's not IBS, it's IBD, which is more serious. And within the many different types of IBD, the kinds he has are more difficult to treat and stem from more serious disorders. I was always confused about the differences between IBS and IBD, which are often used interchangably, and shouldn't be. Of course, I wish I hadn't needed to learn that.  

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

More info on IBD and IBS:
http://www.2ndchance.info/inflambowel.htm

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Karen, I'm sorry that your news is not better, but hope your vets and you can find a treatment plan that will, quickly, begin yo give Jack a higher degree of comfort. You are a champion in this arena. Stay strong and your tenacity will pay off. Love to you and to Jack!

PS. Very helpful article. Thanks for posting.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Ellen.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Karen, so sorry to hear that there is a rocky road ahead for Jack.  Stay strong.  He is lucky to have you as his doodle mommy.  I have a feeling you will do enough research that you will be able to convince those docs that you have a DVM as well!! (and good for you!).  Just know that we are all thinking about you and JD.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Amy. I wish I did have a DVM!

[Lee Seidman]

Karen we are hoping that the meds will make him feel like a puppy again and we are praying for a speedy recovery. It is so hard to see our pups not feeling well.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Lee and Barb.

[Phoebe's Mom]

Thank you for the update.  This does seem to be a significant amount of information to digest so no wonder you are shell-shocked.  While I cannot be there to help you through this please know that both you and Jack are in our prayers daily.  We are thinking about you!