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.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

Karen -

Thank you for the update.  I know you are doing everything possible for JD - he couldn't have a better Mom.  Hope he feels better. 

 

Hugs and kisses.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Andy.

[Rose]

I'm sorry to hear this, Karen, but I'm so glad Jack has you for a mom. Sending positive thoughts and hugs to both of you.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Rose.

[Nicole]

I haven't posted often, I mostly just read, but I have always read all your posts.  I am sorry poor JD is so sick.  He sounds like an incredible spirit and beautiful soul.  It is sad to hear of him suffering.  He is lucky to have you by his side and advocating for the best care he can receive.  You are in my thoughts.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Nicole.

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Thanks for the update.  We have been following Jack's story with great concern. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you and Jack.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sally.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Sorry Karen, I was out of town this weekend and just checking in. 

You will sort through this all.  THe one thing I know without a doubt is that JD is in very very good hands and could not be luckier to have you as his mom. 

HUGS HUGS HUGS 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Allyson.

[GBK]

Thank you for the update, I have been thinking of you and JD everyday....  I really hope once this is all under control you both get a little peace.  Thoughts, prayers, hugs and lotsa love to get you through this all. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Gina. He went for his first B12 shot today and has lost 3 lbs in the 10 days since the scopes, so now the big concern is that he isn't absorbing nutrients from his food, even though it's staying down. Goals now are to reduce the inflammation enough (hopefully the steroids will do that) and get some weight back on him. He got a little kangaroo kibble (I'm not kidding) in his evening meals tonight, hopefully that will help.