Canine Epi??

[HappyMom0328]

I've been here before about my chihuahua/terrier Rosko about his health problems. Last time we were at the vet she had narrowed it down to 3 diseases (all of which were lifelong and $200 for each test).
Finally I did my much needed research and found that my poor pup had all the symptoms of EPI
Yesterday we went to the vet and did the test but we are both fairly convienced that it will be positive so we started him on his meds. This included enzymes that are to be added and incubated into his food each time he is fed. Like I've said before I'm willing to do anything to get my lil boy better again.
Im happy to report that even with only 3 doses I have already seen an improvement in his stools (color and texture), stomach noises, his appitite (which was crazy), and his energy level has also increased.

I was wondering if anyone else has had to go thru this with their dog and if they had any tips or could tell me how treatment worked for them.

 

[ICit]

I've been here before about my chihuahua/terrier Rosko about his health problems. Last time we were at the vet she had narrowed it down to 3 diseases (all of which were lifelong and $200 for each test).
Finally I did my much needed research and found that my poor pup had all the symptoms of EPI
Yesterday we went to the vet and did the test but we are both fairly convienced that it will be positive so we started him on his meds. This included enzymes that are to be added and incubated into his food each time he is fed. Like I've said before I'm willing to do anything to get my lil boy better again.
Im happy to report that even with only 3 doses I have already seen an improvement in his stools (color and texture), stomach noises, his appitite (which was crazy), and his energy level has also increased.

I was wondering if anyone else has had to go thru this with their dog and if they had any tips or could tell me how treatment worked for them.

I have worked with dogs with this.... and thought my two GSD's had it... and as long as you keep them on the meds.. you will be just fine.

I know the meds are pricey... and you have to wait a little while after you sprinkle it on the food... but omg it really does work.

how bad off was he? My male GSD's amylase is always low so I give him a digestive enzyme .. and my female has digestive issues.. so once she was put on it.. she is better now.

 

[HappyMom0328]

When he first started losing weight which was only an ounce at a time he was very lethargic, but for the past couple of weeks he was pretty playful. However, he just continued to get smaller and smaller. He only lost 4 ounces all together but when your a tiny dog to start with thats a huge difference.

I could see all of his ribs, his hip bones and his butt bones. He was having way to many bowl movements (13 in a day at the most). Then this past weekend just started to eat his old feces.

Like I said he has already started to improve as far as I am concerned and am soooo Thankful for that even if we still have a long road ahead of us.

 

[ICit]

When he first started losing weight which was only an ounce at a time he was very lethargic, but for the past couple of weeks he was pretty playful. However, he just continued to get smaller and smaller. He only lost 4 ounces all together but when your a tiny dog to start with thats a huge difference.

I could see all of his ribs, his hip bones and his butt bones. He was having way to many bowl movements (13 in a day at the most). Then this past weekend just started to eat his old feces.

Like I said he has already started to improve as far as I am concerned and am soooo Thankful for that even if we still have a long road ahead of us.

he will have a happy and fun filled life with the meds... he will gain the weight back soon

just keep up with blood work to make sure levels stay normal.
also see if your vet will write you a RX and you can find the meds on line for cheaper

 

[Roman]

I don't want to sound stupid, but...what on earth is EPI? The only EPI that I know of, is a medicine called Epinepherine. I am glad to hear that your little Chi is doing better, and hope that he continues to do so.

 

[Lilypad]

I don't want to sound stupid, but...what on earth is EPI? The only EPI that I know of, is a medicine called Epinepherine. I am glad to hear that your little Chi is doing better, and hope that he continues to do so.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

 

[HappyMom0328]

Just and update on Rosko!!!

The weekend went great for him. He looks like a pup that has never had health issues. He has already filled out in 4 days and is full of puppy energy, his thing is fetch.. Oh my goodness how that precious boy loves his toys and my slippers.

The vet also called over the weekend and said she got most of the results back and they all show he has EPI.. I am so thankful to finally know what is wrong with him and to be able to treat him the correct way.

 

[ICit]

Just and update on Rosko!!!

The weekend went great for him. He looks like a pup that has never had health issues. He has already filled out in 4 days and is full of puppy energy, his thing is fetch.. Oh my goodness how that precious boy loves his toys and my slippers.

The vet also called over the weekend and said she got most of the results back and they all show he has EPI.. I am so thankful to finally know what is wrong with him and to be able to treat him the correct way.

 

[Roman]

epi

I am so happy to hear that the little guy is doing much better. Enjoy him!!

 

[jellomania]

My pup abby was just diagnosed with this about a month ago. I found a yahoo email group that has been immensely helpful--they're familiar with all the issues that are so common with dogs with EPI--mouth sores due to too much enzymes, or too little incubation before feeding, B12 deficiencies as well as SIBO and how best to treat them. I've also found a reliable and trustworthy place online to purchase enzymes for much less money. Abby lost about 10 lbs over the course of a few months, and nothing we were doing was helping. We finally had the tli test done at the end of june and the results were <0.4. After 1 week on enzymes abby had gained HALF the weight back that she'd lost. it worked that fast.. and i'm glad to say we've finally gotten our energetic and playful (2 1/2 year old) puppy back.. and we're loving it!

Are you finding your vet to be cooperative about all this?

 

[ICit]

My pup abby was just diagnosed with this about a month ago. I found a yahoo email group that has been immensely helpful--they're familiar with all the issues that are so common with dogs with EPI--mouth sores due to too much enzymes, or too little incubation before feeding, B12 deficiencies as well as SIBO and how best to treat them. I've also found a reliable and trustworthy place online to purchase enzymes for much less money. Abby lost about 10 lbs over the course of a few months, and nothing we were doing was helping. We finally had the tli test done at the end of june and the results were <0.4. After 1 week on enzymes abby had gained HALF the weight back that she'd lost. it worked that fast.. and i'm glad to say we've finally gotten our energetic and playful (2 1/2 year old) puppy back.. and we're loving it!

Are you finding your vet to be cooperative about all this?

 

[HappyMom0328]

My pup abby was just diagnosed with this about a month ago. I found a yahoo email group that has been immensely helpful--they're familiar with all the issues that are so common with dogs with EPI--mouth sores due to too much enzymes, or too little incubation before feeding, B12 deficiencies as well as SIBO and how best to treat them. I've also found a reliable and trustworthy place online to purchase enzymes for much less money. Abby lost about 10 lbs over the course of a few months, and nothing we were doing was helping. We finally had the tli test done at the end of june and the results were <0.4. After 1 week on enzymes abby had gained HALF the weight back that she'd lost. it worked that fast.. and i'm glad to say we've finally gotten our energetic and playful (2 1/2 year old) puppy back.. and we're loving it!

Are you finding your vet to be cooperative about all this?

The vet has been great!!! Since he has been stable with no issues he has not been back to the vet. I get my meds from them as well as his food. He is eating Royal Canine Low fat gastro which is supposed to be the best there is for epi dogs. However, he will be getting neutered very soon so he'll be going then.