new facebook page

Hi everyone, Jasper's mom again.

I'm sorry that I haven't had any updates lately, but things here are still not great. We went to see a specialist on Tuesday & then did a bone marrow aspiration to see why his bone marrow is not producing red blood cells like it should. We have a follow-up visit on Tuesday & hopefully the results should be in from the bone marrow test then. 

I wanted to share with you the page that our good friends Nancy & Hildy set up for us on facebook. We are updating that page more frequently so if you are interested in keeping up with Jasper's case please go check it out & "like" his page. It is called The Jasper Get Well Fund and you can find it at www.facebook.com/jasperisms. It is also set up with a donate button if you would like to donate to Jasper's mounting vet bills, which are already over $2000. I do not like to ask for help, but I will do anything I have to to help my baby. I am working full time & picking up odd jobs to help with his bills but it doesn't seem to be enough. Any help is appreciated, even $1 can help, there is even a link to buy a doxie themed key fob with proceeds going to his fund. If you would like to help but can't donate, please at least go on & "like" his page & "share" it on your news feed, the more people we reach the better.

Thank you all for your continued concern & support, we appreciate every single one of you.

XOXO

This is after he got home from his procedure, the shaved spot is where they took his bone marrow samples from.

a NEW diagnosis... sort of

Hey everyone, Jasper's mom here again. Okay, so it has been a very long week and a half here in our house. Again, please bear with me because this is gonna be another long one...

So on Friday (8/9/2013) Jasper and I went in for his first check-up since the original diagnosis of IMHA. They were checking his bloodwork again to see if his RBC count was coming up like it needed to be. Unfortunately those were not the results we got. His RBC's had dropped AGAIN , from 29% to 25%... not good. And his WBC count had skyrocketed up past normal levels, which meant that the few RBC"s that his body was making were getting attacked by his WBC. Again, not good. And you guessed it, I had a breakdown right there our little room. The Dr scheduled another appointment for the following Monday (8/12/2013) to do an ultrasound to see if anything was missed from the xray they had done the week before. (His belly was too full for them to really see anything that morning which is why another one was scheduled for Monday.) And she also put him on an additional medication meant to fight any type of parasites or infections that could have possibly come from a tick or something of the like. We went home and took it easy over the weekend and then went in on Monday morning. Another round of bloodwork was sent off to the lab this time (to save a little money) and the ultrasound came up clean, nothing that they could see to indicate why his RBC count isn't coming up. The Dr called yesterday and had his new bloodwork results. While it's not bad news, it's still not an answer. His RBC count only went down 1% and she was okay with that because his WBC count had also come back down. The WBC's are now at a normal level which could give the RBC's a fighting chance, and it also gives us a little more time to figure out what is going on. She also spoke with 2 specialists reguarding his condition and after the consult they are all leaning AWAY from the IMHA being the primary diagnosis (meaning this was NOT caused by a vaccine). They think that the anemia is now secondary to something else like an ulcer or GI bleed that they can't see on the ultrasound. So we are going in on Saturday (8/17/2013) for another full panel bloodwork (they haven't done a full panel since 7/30/2013) so they can check all of his levels again and they are also going to put him on 2 additional meds for a possible ulcer. They are also going to start weening him off of 1-2 of his other meds.

So again, this is where we are right now. He's not stable just yet, he's kind of plateaued and his Dr and I are okay with that for right now, again it gives us a little more time to figure out what is actually going on. He's been a little perkier lately and is playing with toys again. We are taking it one day at a time... :)

Thank you so much for all of the prayers, thoughts and well wishes. We have noticed that a lot of you have been sent over by Baxter and we are very grateful for the support.

Until the next update...

A Diagnosis

Hi there!! Jasper's mom here again. Bear with me, cause this is gonna be a long one. Well, after the last 2 months of worrying and wondering and KNOWING that there was something wrong with my baby (and trying to convince people that he wasn't just getting older), I finally have an answer. Jasper's official diagnosis is Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. The official description is: IMHA occurs when the red blood cell counts are destroyed by the body's own immune system.  In Jasper's case, this was brought about by the vaccines he received in June 2013 (which was when his symptoms started). He had a full diagnostic blood test done on Tuesday 7/30/2013 and it showed that both his red and white blood cell counts were both low. His doctor wasn't sure why this was and suggested we wait another week or two and then do another round of tests. I was not comfortable with waiting that long. On Friday 8/2/2013 I took him to a new doctor (someone recommended by a friend). They did another round of blood work and a digital abdominal xray, and that's when they discovered a few things. One: he was severely backed up and constipated (poor thing), which resulted in an enema (fun times). Two: his heart is a little enlarged, very possibly due to it working overtime because of the anemia. Three: there is nothing around his spleen like originally though, no growths, nothing logged or stuck. And four: that his CBC's had dropped significantly just since Tuesday. She then made the diagnosis of IMHA, but pointed out that at this point it was not life threatening. But it doesn't mean he is out of the woods yet. He was put on two medications: a steroid and an immune suppressant. The side effects for these two medications are: excessive thirst and urination, panting, increased appetite, and possible food aggression. The first week is crucial, if he responds well to the medications and his counts come up on his next blood test (Friday 8/9/2013) then the prognosis is good. But there are still a lot of things up in the air. We won't know for months whether or not he'll have to be on meds for the rest of his life. And he will probably never be able to be vaccinated again (not sure I would do it again even if it is possible). And for me one of the most heartbreaking things, is that he can never be the social dog he once was. No more trips to the pet store, the dog bakery, social/fundraising dog events (like walks and races), and no more dog parks. No more contact with dogs whose medical history I don't know.  And as of right now, he is kind of a "dog in a bubble" until he gets better, like a doggy quarantine.

As of today, things are good. His demeanor and attitude are 200% better than the last couple of weeks. He has been playful and lively again, which warms my heart. His appetite is back and not aggressive, and he is drinking lots of water. His "bathroom schedule" is good, poops are back to normal. I am anxious to get his test results on Friday.

This is Jasper's case, and how we are dealing with it. I am not condemning or pushing the use of vaccines. As Jasper's mom, I did what I thought was best for my boy. Do I wish I had pushed for the blood work sooner? Yes, but I can't change that now. Do I blame his original doctor for the vaccination? No, but I do hold her accountable for blowing off his symptoms as a stomach bug or virus and not suggesting blood work sooner than 2 months later, but it's also my fault for not asking for it. I will be continuing his treatments with the new vet, I feel like he is in good hands. I will also be contacting the drug manufacturer of the vaccines to report this. I am continuing to do research about IMHA and what I can do to help my boy. Some of the info is scary, and I realise that we are very lucky. Mortality rates are as high as 80%, and the thought of losing Jasper is too awful to even think about, but could still be a very real possibility. All I can say is, talk to your vet. Ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. No one knows your pet the way you do, if you feel that something is wrong with your dog or cat, tell the doctor. Follow up. And if you don't feel as if you are getting the care your pet deserves, seek a second opinion. I did, and it very possibly saved Jasper's life.

Thank you so much to everyone for all the support, prayers, well wishes, and local & long distance hugs and kisses. We feel all of your love here in Louisville, KY. 

tired but getting better :)

Happy Gotcha Day

4 years ago, me & my brother were picked up by 2 ladies in a blue car. They drove an hour & a half to meet us & then took us all the way home to live in Louisville, KY. Best day ever...

first pic mom ever took of me, that's my brother's butt in the background :)

car ride to our new forever home



chomping on helicopters in my new backyard

 Thank you mom, for choosing me!!

*J

Note from mom: BEST decision I ever made... :)

Happy Easter!!

Bunnies??? Where are these bunnies you keep referring to??? And there's a great BIG one??? I really want to meet this Easter Bunny you speak of!!!!!!

I hope that all my friends out there in bloggerville have a very Happy Easter!!


I also want to wish my mom a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I love you mama & I am so happy you picked me to be your puppy!! xoxo

Toodles :)

*J

Farewell Joey

Mom and I were so sad to hear of Joey's passing... there really are no words...

You will be missed, my friend. I hope that you & Maggie are running free together once again...

"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us."

                               (Robert Louis Stevenson)

aarrrooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.........

*J

I'm just a love machine...

Moooooommmmm!! My glasses are crooked!!!!

Hee hee, I'm trying out my new Valentine's Day glasses... what do you think??

*J

Christmas recap from nurse Jasper

Hello there, everybody! I just wanted to give you all a rundown of things at my house. Mom & I have both been under the weather lately... you know, me with my back muscle & mom with the flu. She started feeling bad on Christmas Eve & it just got worse from there. So we have both been on some form of "quarantine" for the past couple of weeks. I did my best to take care of her & make her feel better, & she said that "snuggle bugs from the pup" are the best kind of medicine so I snuggled as close to her as I could, but I never saw any "bugs". I was hoping I would, cause they make tasty snacks, ya know??  Anyhoo...




*snuggle*



I have been taking very good care of my back & have been using my ramp on & off the couch (not every time, but mom says that some is better than none.) And I love all the massages mom has been giving me, they make me all ooey-gooey relaxed...

And even though mom didn't feel good, we had a great Christmas!! Santa did not disappoint, I got all kinds of snackies & toys & there is even a present left under the tree that mom says I get to open tomorrow on New Years Day! I am a master at opening presents, just in case you didn't know. :)




My new jacket :)



And this year I took my 3 weenie cousins to see Santa & we all got our picture taken together!!



LtoR: Squirt, Oscar, Chief & me!!


So to all my friends out there in bloggerville, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas with your friends & family, I know I did! And mom & I are wishing you all a wonderful & safe New Year!!


*J

down for the count

Well friends, about 2 weeks ago I hurt myself. It was my back, but not my spine, thank goodness. The Dr said that it was probably just a muscle spasm or strain, but I have been on crate confinement & told to keep my activity low when mom is home. We also do ice packs & heating pad sessions, which I really like. I have no problem laying still for that...

me & my heating pad & my blankie

I started feeling better & then I had a relapse (because I didn't listen to mom & stay put).  Mom says that she will be keeping a better eye on me & that she will update everyone as soon as she can.

See you guys soon...

*J

Nose Art

This past Sunday was a very lazy day for me & mom. She said since her Saturday was so busy (she volunteered at one of the local cemeteries & helped put American flags on the military graves there), that we could have all day Sunday together to do whatever we wanted!!

And what did I want to do???

                                                 ...work on my window nose art. :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend & Veteran's Day!!

*J

Wordless Wednesday

*J

Happy Halloweenie!!

Mom & I would like to wish every one of our friends a very safe & happy halloween!!

*J

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

PB Sunday

So every once in a while, something pretty amazing happens. When mom has scraped every last bit of peanut butter out of the jar that she can, she turns to me & asks me if I want to lick the bottle? LICK THE BOTTLE?!?! Like there is any other answer than YES, YES, YES!!!

And now if you'll excuse me, I need to spend some quality time with my snackie...


*J


Note from mom: many, many peanut butter scented kisses were given by one happy puppy after this photo was taken. :)

Whisker (& Wordless) Wednesday

Testing, testing...

Are you still out there my friends??

Mom's camera battery has died & she has searched high & low for her charger but can't find it. Which makes me very sad because she has some good pictures on there that I want to share with you, but she can't upload them yet...

So for now, I just continue to give her my sad, puppy dog eyes hoping it will get her butt in gear & find that charger...

Til next time!

*J

New harness!!

Yep, you guessed it!! My new harness from Baxter's mom came in the mail & woo hoo is it spiffy!! There was even a new toy inside the box, which I can only assume Baxter & duk duk slipped in as a surprise for me... :)

Mom calls this one my "everyday" harness, one that she doesn't have to worry about me getting dirty. But don't be fooled by it's plain appearance on the outside... there's a super secret fun print on the inside. But you won't tell anyone if I show you, right??

Check it out...

Super cool, huh?? There's even a fun little robot charm on the back of my harness to match it. :) And after I had my little photo session, mom let me have some alone time with my new toy...

Thanks again to Baxter's mom for my new harness, it's super comfy & fits me perfectly!!  I love it!!  Not a bad days haul for a little doxie, huh??

If you are in need of a new harness for ANY occasion or just for everyday use, check out Baxter's blog & click on his mom's "how to order" link on the right hand side to order one for yourself.

Now it's time for walkies to break it in...

*J

The big bathtub

Hey there everybody!!

I hope that you all have been having a good summer so far!! What are you doing?? Swimming? Hiking? Going on picnics? Mom & I went on a beach vacation last week & we had a blast!! Although, when she took me to see the ocean for the first time I was a little confused. Why would she be so excited about something that looked & felt a lot like the bathtub??


"It's the ocean, honey! Isn't it fun?? Isn't it beautiful??"

I don't know mom, it looks awful big to me... and I'm all wet & there's stuff sticking to me & I don't know what to do about it.

In the grand scheme of things, I guess it wasn't all bad. I got to see lots of nice people & some of them took pictures of me (mom called them my paparazzi) & I got to meet lots of other dogs. The waves kinda scared me though, they were loud & came at me really fast. Once I got used to them it was a little better.

We walked along for awhile & mom collected some seashells & I got to smell some pretty interesting stuff. It wasn't too bad I guess, but I told mom it was okay of she went without me next time, I was fine back at the condo watching TV.


All in all, it was a great vacation. We got to hang out with my Auntie Heather & Uncle Mike & my brother Pilot, & my Uncle Josh came to the beach with us too. Plus my Uncle Mike's bandmates were there, so there were tons of people to bark at & play with.

Now I think I need a nice long nap to recover from my vacation...

:)

*J

Harley's Visit

So two weeks ago my Uncle Brian & Uncle Paul went all the way to Virginia to visit my mom's grandmother and mom & I got to have my cousin Harley for a whole week!! We had so much fun together!!  Harley is about 4 years older than me & he doesn't like to play as much as I do, but mom says he tolerates me pretty well... whatever that means...

We did a lot of lounging around together...

especially when the laundry came out of the dryer all nice & warm...

we went on walks together...

kept an eye on the neighborhood squirrels...

and I even shared my toys...

Thanks for coming & staying w/ me & mom Harley!! You are welcome anytime!!

*J