Saturday 17 November 2007

Diagnosis Jackson

Finally home again after a week of vet visits and tests and stuff. It's certainly good to be back.


[you'll have to excuse me using an old photo, but now I'm even more nekkid and I don't want you to see me not looking my best!]


Now onto the results. Apologies in advance as they are rather long and boring with no pictures, but J1 insisted that I tell you all the facts to stop you worrying:


Skin: My horrible nether-region rash is clearing up and I'm taking anti-biotics for the next month or so. The vet has removed a lump from my back (I've got lots of small hard lumps/spots) and sent it off for analysis. It's probably caused by my fluctuating calcium levels earlier in the year and nothing too much to worry about.


Neck: The degenerated discs are the same as they were in January, hurrah! Surgery is still a possibility if they get any worse, boo!


Cushing's Disease: May be re-tested again at a later date.


Seizures: Cause still unknown. We're just going to monitor the situation at present. I've had 3 so far.


Kidneys: I'm in the early stages of kidney disease. It's treatable but not curable. This means I've got to go back on the horrid prescription low phosphate diet which I DETEST! My blood pressure will have to be checked regularly to ensure that it doesn't get too high. My urine is poorly concentrated which means that my kidneys aren't working properly. I drink a lot more water than the average dog and you know what that means; more time outside sending peemail!


Other stuff: The Js were worried that my tumour may have come back and was causing some of my symptoms. For newer readers of my blog, I had a malignant tumour removed from my neck in February and on examination in the lab they realised that they didn't quite get all of it out. This means that it may return and so the Js are extra vigilant at any new symptoms I have. Also they're both fusspots (but don't tell them I said that).


Further investigation: My pal Pippa is always eating toast and I was beginning to wonder if some of my symptoms could perhaps be caused by a lack of toast-eating on my part. After extensive testing on my toast levels, the vet decided that this doesn't have any bearing on anything. I tried to get her to write me a prescription for toast but sadly she wouldn't. Never mind, I'll just bug J1 whenever she's eating hers. I thought it was worth a try!


Finally, I'd just like to thank everydog, human, cat and hamster for your kind messages of support during these testing times. Thanks pals, you're all pawsome...

44 comments:

Katherine and Pippa said...

A dog can never get enough toast - or curry - or pizza - and today I even got a new sack of organic dog biscuits.

BUT I STILL WANT MY TOAST

Have you asked for a second veterinary opinion? I think that is in order and best to find one who likes toast.

Pippa

Gus said...

We are so glad you are home, and know that J1 and J2 are happy you are back. Teka, in her search to get herself died pink, has found someone who will do hair extensions. Would you like the address so you don't have to be nekkid? Can't do anything about the terrible food though, and us wires seem to be food motivated! Please hurry and feel better.

kissies
Gus

PerfectTosca said...

I'm glad you are doing better, handsome Jackson. This kind of stuff always makes me want to bite my foot! Don't ever do this to me again!

Anyways, the Woman has horrible flu and is blog remiss but I sneaked up here to check on you, otherwise I wouldn't have a foot left.

Ok so you will pee more, so what? The woman says she knows about this illness in cats and her heart cat lived to 21 with this! I mean Giz had it for like seven years! So don't worry, just listen to the vet and your mom, I know listening to humans is hard but in this case it works!

Kisses to your cute face,
Tosca

Agatha and Archie said...

Our dearest Jackson,Well we are glad you are home,glad you are(for the time being )test free,sad you will go on that special diet(but maybe there will be special treats that are yummy that you can have) and bummed about the toast.Want us to see if our vet will write you a toast prescription??? We love you!! A+A PS DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR BEING nekid.......We would love you even if you had only 1 hair on you

Mojo, Digger and family said...

You can always cover your nekkidness by dressing as Demis Roussos - you know, huge kaftan.

I am really happy that you are on top of these health issues. Bad luck about the special diet, though. Life really isn't fair at all. Especially in relation to toast.

I've got my paws discreetly crossed for the various things still waiting analysis.

hairy hugs
Mojo

Headgirl said...

Hi favourite WFT!
They'll be able to write a medical book about you soon - The Jackson Digest. Only jesting!
Do take care...
Pats & pets
Blue
x

Sir Chance-Lot said...

We love you Jackson...I say Om's for you every day!!!...
I am glad there are no tumor in your head..so very glad!!!
And I think you have the right idea about the toast!!!!
Sir IloveJacksonalot

On another front....
..Big News..I was nominated for Best Blog Award in DWB's. I am so honored! Would You stop by and vote for me..the race is ON!
(Nanook and Pooka my cousins are nominated too..and I would just die if the beat me)

Balboa said...

I think the doctor is wrong and toast just might help.

I'm glad you're home and being loved and cared for, make sure you get lots and lots of kisses and hugs to speed up the recovery.

Frenchie Get Well Snorts
Balboa

the many Bs said...

Hi Jackson, we are happy to hear from you. we are hoping that you can get toast without a prescription. we think about you a lot and you want you to be healthy! and strong! and happy! and for all of your hair to grow back! No More Poodle Legs! hee hee
woofers.

Lacy said...

woofies Jackson, u always in me prayers sweet boy..glad u not havin dose bad ole tests fur a little whiles...and i sure u mama and daddy wood give ya sum toast..jus give em the sad eye dog looks..

b safe,
;)lacylulu

Molly the Airedale said...

We're so glad you're home, Jackson and so sorry about the horrid diet that you detest so much! We're sure your mom will wander from it on special occassions for you!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Harry said...

Jackson my dear boy. I'm glad you are home again and that the results, while not fabulous, are better than they could have been. Shame about the food, but needs must old chap! Enjoy your weekend at home.

Toodle pip,
Harry x

Jake of Florida said...

Hey Jackson,

Well, that's a lot of news to digest -- without toast and something yummy on it -- but it sounds like things are OK. The J's will be on high alert, so you're in good hands.

Never mind about being nekkid. We love your spunky spirit -- and that's with or wihout fur.

Woofs, pal,

Jake and Just Harry

Kirby said...

Hi Jackson,

Well, I take the Vet's report as good news. Nothing horrible, yet nothing definate. I hope you personally feel good. You might be a tad nekid now, but that's the great thing about fur, it grows back! You'll be furry agian soon enough! Keep well my pal, I'll keep my paws crossed that you don't get any more seizures.

Your pal,
Kirby

Noah the Airedale said...

G'day Jackson,
Gosh there are some issues there but we know you're on top of it all. You're a trooper!
Bet your Js are doing a wonderful job keeping a sharp eye on you. Don't be too hard on them, they just love you to bits.

Hugs and tail wags
Noah, Willow, Tess & Lucy

jaffeboy said...

Ohhh... Jax buddy. I hope all turn out to be better.

I know I may have said this before but is there any chance for you to go on BARF diet with some supplements?

There's no preservative.

Hope the kidney thing will be in control forever.

Lorenza said...

Hi, Jackson
I am so happy to know that you are at home now! All those tests and meds sure are not fun but I hope they help you!
I will have my paws crossed until you tell us that everything has gone away!
Have a good night
Lorenza

Stanley said...

Jackson Bud!

Glad there's nothing big and wrong. Keep us posted on any other test results! I'm still sending healing goober smooches your way. Take all you need.

Now, I don't see why your vet couldn't write you an Rx for toast!! Don't they know that toast levels are very important, both physically & spiritually?

Here's hoping for more fur and LOADS of toast!

Goober love,
Stanley

Amber-Mae said...

Glad you are back Jackson but oh my, what a list! Your hoomans should give you some toast then maybe you will get better.

Love licks,
Solid Gold Dancer

Nat said...

That's a lot for a little fella to carry. Stay happy, because that's what counts.

Ruby Bleu said...

Whew...Jackson...that is WONDERFUL news. I mean still more to learn, but in general, great. And toast...I think that will do the trick, not sure why your doctor would write you a prescription for it! Silly.

Lots of Licks, Ruby

Urban Smoothie Read said...

home sweet home for u...

be strong boy, we are there to give u all d moral support

Ashley said...

Poor Jackson, we hope you are feeling better soon!

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Hmm....Jackson....for someone who doens't eat toast...did the doctor write a RX. for beer? We put you back on the plane after the poker party and you were um...3 sheets to the wind! I think you were the ONLY boy dog who won.

Lacie sez she will come immediately if you need her. She's injured now...see blog, so I have been having to fetch her things and take care of her. Her little paw is very sore and she cries if Mumsie touches it. We might need to trade Seymour back for Dunstan; he's more helpful. Speaking of Seymour, we're not sure where he is. He and Sherman were hanging out at poker...think he went back home with Lola??? Let u know.
Take care Jax...we consulted with the vet, and he said a diet high in TOAST is just the thing to cure ur ailments....he's sending a script for you by snail mail....
Foxy hugs, Guy....We love you, Man!!!

Scruff Dude

Myeo said...

Dont worry about your hair. We are very sure you still look good.

Keep us posted on the test result.

Love
Boy n Baby

fee said...

i hope you are feeling lots better now, jackson! are you still having acupuncture treatment? please press on and try not to spit any of the medicine out – be a good boy for now, ok? ((((((((HUGS))))))))))

loves,
fee

Marvin -The Hollow Hound said...

Jackson, dear Jackson, please just rest up now after all those darn tests and take care of yourself.

You have been through such a rough time.

Much love and healing licks, your pal in Scotland, Marvin xxxxxxx

and yes, Toast should be on prescription! (but not with Marmite - my hooman sister gives me toast and I always forget she puts the disgusting brown stuff on it!)

Bebe said...

Jackson,

I'm happy you are home. Toast, I don't what that is, but I guess it cant hurt. I hope you feel better and get this sorted out. Take all your medicine. Missing you, kisses.

The Black and Tans. said...

Jackson

Great news the tests are all over and you can now start to grow a nice warm coat for winter; by the way do your humans know that toast promotes hair growth in FT's??

Shame about the food you've got to eat, but we are with everybody else, treats must surely be included especailly with Christmas coming up!

Molly and Taffy

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are sorry you are not feeling weel and hope you feel better soon. Purrs and woofs.

Riley, Tiki, & Kesey

Lenny said...

I agree with Pippa; maybe you need to get a second opinion about that toast.

I hope your tests are done for a while and I'm sorry about your yucky food. That's no fun. I'm glad you had some good results to report!

Your friend, Lenny

FleasGang said...

2007 just hasn't been your year Jackson. Luckily, we've turned the corner so hopefully 2008 will be much better. Keeping our paws crossed.

The FleasGang

Juno said...

Jackson!! I am glad you're HOME now and the news is not bad at all! You're a strong boy and you're loved by loving family and friends... you'll be ok!! Please take a good rest! :)

Your friend,
Momo xoxo

Hammer said...

Hi Jackson
Sorry you're still having a rough time. Hope you feel much better very soon, and hope your mum gives you some toast. Hobson, Rose and me love bread and toast, and mum always buys preservative free bread.
Love from Hammer

Simba and Jazzi said...

So glad you are home. Hope you are feeling better.

Simba xx

Mango and Party said...

Dearest Jackson,
We miss you & we are real glad to see you back & blogging, nekkid or not.

Sending you loads of wiry love to keep you warm,
Mango & Party

Katherine and Pippa said...

Jackson we have given you the BeTheBlog award - hope it cheers you up a bit.

Pippa

Ferndoggle said...

Hey there Mr. Jax. Thank you for the update. You were right, we've spent lots of time worrying about you. I'm sad to hear about the food you have to eat. I don't think the occasional toast will hurt though.

Sherman

Simba said...

Just remember Jackson: Tough times don't last, tough doggies do!!

Keep the faith! We've all got our paws crossed for your recovery.

wags,

Simba

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

Jackson my sweetheart of a buddy! You and I are both in sick bay it seems. I have had you close to my heart each day...could you feel it:) Life is precious and every moment is imPAWtant! I am almost done with the yuckie anitbiotics YEAH! Mommy is tired of me spitting them all over her shirts hee hee! I am much better and eating...so everyone one is happy. BUT....I am peeing (can't believe I am telling you this) in my bed lots! Mommy said she was gonna diaper me! I'd rather she fix us both toast and Catmint tea...I think you would like it.
Love you tons and tons! Miss Peach

William Tell said...

Jackson, I know it's rough going through the tests and all, but you are very fortunate to have a family who cares so much for you, and are willing to go the extra mile to keep you healthy. We three are glad you're back home and recuperating with the Js.

William Tell, Cap and Glynn

Quinvale AstaLaVista Baby said...

Hang in thewe Jax, I love you!

xxx Nursie Asta in Oz

Bogart H. Devil said...

Aw Jackson, you're a lucky boy to have a family that cares about you sooo much to get you all of those tests (I'm sure it doesn't feel that way when you're being poked and prodded).

Sending ya lots of love and toast!

Love,
Bogart

Koobuss said...

Thank you for the detailed report, Jackson, as we were wondering how you were. Sounds like you are doing pretty good. Hang in there, pal. We love you.

Love and Koobuss Kisses,
Koobie