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.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

Just saw your post, Karen. As a human with several autoimmune related problems, my empathy and sympathy are coming your way. Once this all gets shaken out, my hope is for meds/diet that will help stabilize Jack and get him into remission. You are both in my prayers.

PS. I would gladly help you kick some serious butt of stupid humans/millers who breed dogs with nothing but money in mind. At four years old, Connor is starting to have some genetically-related problems - nothing as serious as your baby, though. Like you, I wouldn't trade my big, sweet dood for the world. <3

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Deb. Your support means a lot.

Remission is a word I had previously only associated with cancer. But it is a word that's commonly used in discussions about dogs with diagnosed IBD. That's a sobering thought that I still haven't quite accepted yet, but I'm getting there. Compared to this, his Atopic Dermatitis seems like a piece of cake, and there was a time when that overwhelmed me, too. So there's hope.

I really do need to post another update/discussion, but for now, the good news is that he's gained back 2+ lbs and is back up to 74 now! Baby steps. :)

[Bonnie and Kona]

Karen, I am so grateful to hear that Jack has gained some of his weight back! I have been thinking about the two of you often each day but wanted to wait a couple more days before asking. hugs for both of you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Bonnie. Things are still so touch-and-go, and I'm such a wreck, my entire life revolves around watching what goes in and what goes out, lol.

Today was Day 1 of cutting back the prednisone dosage, so now we'll see if he can survive without having to start the big gun drugs. If the inflammation gets worse again, if he loses weight, if the food starts coming up or he develops bad diarrhea, we're in trouble. It was also Day 1 of trying to cut back to three meals a day, (same amount of food, just more food at each of the fewer feedings) and adding a fish oil supplement. 

He saw the internist yesterday, and she was pleased with his overall appearance and the weight gain.So we are hopeful, but it's too soon to know anything.

JD says, I want a bone! I need something to chew! I want a treat! What the heck is going on around here?

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh Karen, I can well imagine you are obsessed with Jack right now. What else could you think about with your boy being so sick. I will hold hope that he continues to improve even with the reduction of meds and increase in meal size. Hoping you can see great improvement and rest, too.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Bonnie. :)

[Pat and Traveler]

Cautiously good news for JD!  Fingers and paws crossed for his continued improvement.  Awwwww...bet you wish you could give him a tasty treat! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Pat, you have no idea! Thank you!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Glad to hear JD is gaining a little weight, you and JD are possibly the only one who are happy with the holiday weight gain. I'm still sending up those prayers that he continues to do better.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks Donna, we still need and are grateful for them!

[Leslie and Halas]

Oh, good! At least he's putting some weight back on. I hope he does well with the reduced meds and bigger meals.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Les.