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.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Phoebe's Mom, and I apologize for not remembering your first name, lol! :)

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Like others have said, even though the news could have been better, at least now you know the "enemy" JD is fighting.  At least for me, the known (no matter how scary) is better than the unknown.  I'm sure you'll do your research, talk to the experts, talk to more experts, then plan your "attack".  Doing SOMETHING is so much better than being unable to do anything.  Years ago, when my daughter first started experiencing weird neurological symptoms, I was scared out of my mind.  After years of uncertainty and several misdiagnoses, she was finally diagnosed with MS - not really sure even this is right as certain parts of her presentation are stilly atypical.  Even though I still have some degree of anxiety, KNOWING what we're dealing with has brought a certain amount of calm to my life.  You and JD will fall into battle-mode and you'll find what works for you both.  We'll continue to think good thoughts!  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Deanna, what you've said about your DD's diagnosis is so similar to what I feel about JD's problem. Things are not making sense to me, but at least I have a place to start. Thank you.

[Sharon & Monty]

Good grief, what a symphony of issues to sort out.  So sorry you still have so many things to figure out, but at last you are on your way to get the right help for everything.  Makes my menopause miseries pale.....lol  Wishing you and JD better days ahead.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sharon.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Karen I'm so sorry to hear this, Jackdoodle is so lucky to have such a caring person to look after him and get to the bottom of his sicknesses. I am thinking of you both...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Camilla.

[Liz]

At one year old my goldendoodle Teddy was diagnosed with an immune disorder called....eosinophilic stomatitis....every doctor he has seen since blamed his first rabies shot.  Ted has spent 3 years on Prednisone to hold off the pain.....I was told this was a life time treatment.      Last year I found or he found me a little shitzhu mix...horribly matted, horribly skinny, and horribly sick.  We spent 3 months in and out of vets and specialist trying to cure pnuemonia, at one point the little guy actually died on us and we had to give mouth to snout resisitation till we got him to the emergency room and put on oxygen.  Nothing was helping this little guy, the vets stopped all medications and the talk was of lung removal.......out of desperation I started looking at "natural cures"  I found this...http://www.alohamedicinals.com/pet.htm  and put him on K9 immunity within 1 week he was better....it was crazy but really within a week!  The vet could not believe what happened...he actually wrote a medical paper on it.  I started thinking...if this stuff helped Marty....who is now a healthy active sweet baby...what could it do for my Teddy's issues....since pain could erupt in Ted if I moved too fast....I slowly and I mean sloooowly weaned Ted off his prednisone..this took almost 6 months...at the same time I was weaning the predisone off I was giving Ted K9 immunity......today Teddy is pain free, symptom free and off of prednisone for 4 months.  I have talked with the aloha medicine people and they told me it is not just for cancer....but anytime the immune system needs a boost...I can't promise it will work....but I can tell you it can't hurt!  It is all natural organic USA mushrooms....that's it!  Might be worth a try!  and no I don't sale it...I just believe in it!  I will keep you and your baby in my prayers.....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Liz.

[Stella]

Wow, what a diagnosis, or diagnoses!  At least you now have a name to put to his illness and can begin to plan where to go from here.  Sounds like you might be going the home cooking route after all.  Looking forward to hearing that the vets have got it all worked out and that you guys get a treatment plan.  Can't wait to hear when JD begins to get better.  Love to both of you,

Stella, Hartley & Chase

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Stella.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Karen - at least now you know.  Even though the treatment anwers might not come easy - you know what you are up against.  Your dedication and diligent care of Jack has gotten you to this point and I have no doubt that the 2 of you will battle through to find the right kind of treatment.   Wishing for you and Jack a healthier new year!!!!