EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

I thought it best to start a separate topic on Milk thistle for accessible information.

The following is taken from Earl Mindell's R.P.H., PH.D., ''New Vitamin Bible":

The fruit of Milk Thistle contains Silymarin, which is one of the most potent liver-protecting substances, and that silymarin has been shown to help in the treatment of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and a variety of other liver diseases.

   I can tell you that some of the extracts are based in alcohol and should be avoided by anyone with liver problems."

Although this web page doesn't pertain to epi dogs; it does talk about Milk Thistle use with dogs and pups: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/liverdiseasesymptoms.htm

The dosage info was taken from the above link:

As regards dosages, here is information on Milk Thistle Dosage from the newsletter "Healthy Pets - Naturally":

Dog's size Dose as % of adult human dose

5 lbs 10%

5-10 lbs 15%

11-20 lbs 20%

21-40 lbs 30%

41-70 lbs 50%

71-100 lbs 75%

100 lbs 100%

Adult human dose

Researchers have not yet identified the optimal dose of silymarin [This is Milk Thistle - just that Silymarin is a componant of Milk Thistle]

The typical adult dosage for silymarin is 240 to 800 mg/day in two or three divided doses. It's noted that a supplement containing at least 240 mg per day of silymarin would be helpful for most people. Doses of 150 to 300 mg per day are considered sufficient to increase the liver's production of the protective antioxidant glutathione. Higher doses are needed for chronic liver disease: 140 to 210 mg of silymarin, three times daily in a standardized extract form (total 420 to 630 mg/day). Simultaneous dosing with a lecithin supplement has been recommended to increase absorption. For Siliphos, 240 mg, three times daily is recommended. Older patients require a higher dose due to age related decrease in absorption abilities.

Reviewing the doses that were used in milk thistle human research, the dose varied from 240 to 800 milligrams per day. A few studies used Siliphos at 240 mg.

Toxicity

Human studies have shown silymarin to be generally without side effects. The typical adult dosage for silymarin is 240 to 900 mg/day in two or three divided doses. At higher doses (>1500 mg/day) silymarin may produce a laxative effect due to increased bile flow and secretion. Mild allergic reactions have also been noted. [as a precautionary measure to this warning, once worked out percentage dog dose from the human dose, I would half that and then increase gradually] 

Thanks Julie!!!

Excellent Julie!  Thanks for posting.

Hi Everyone,

I have a dog w/ canine epilepsy as well & all my dogs get milk thistle as a supplement.  It helps detoxify & repair the liver & is a wonderful antioxidant.  I use Denosyl because it is chewable.

For dosing - Clark's rule;  divide your dog's weight in pounds by 150 & this will give you a percentage.  Then multiply the human dose by that percentage for your dog's dosage.

Kaya, my dog w/ EPI had elevated liver enzymes so I put her on that & Denosyl.   We'll be rechecking them soon. It has helped Link's liver enzymes (my dog w/ seizures) normalize & Jada who also had significant liver enzyme issues improve dramatically.   She was scheduled for a liver biopsy & I decided to try some supplements & a liver detox diet instead because I wasn't sure how she would fare anesthesia & I didn't think a diagnosis would make a difference.  She was like a new dog in 2 weeks!

We use it for humans w/ hepatitis.

I'll get off my soap box...I think it is a great supplement!

Incidentally, Kaya who was diagnosed over a month ago is putting on weight & doing great!

Hi Anita,

Thank you for sharing your experience with Milk Thistle, which I find very interesting. Although I posted the info and have used MS before (with parrots), I haven't used MT on Angel and yet I should because her Phosphatase Alkaline reading was elevated back in August and the epi caused partial, moderate liver fibrosis, not that anything can be done to improve fibrotic conditions. However, you have inspired me to pay better attention to looking after what liver function she has through using Milk Thistle. I am from the UK, so do you know if I can obtain Denosyl through the internet?

Warmest best wishes,

Julie

Hi Anita (and Kaya too!!)

"Kaya, my dog w/ EPI had elevated liver enzymesso I put her on that & Denosyl.   We'll be rechecking them soon. Ithas helped Link's liver enzymes (my dog w/ seizures) normalize& Jada who also had significant liver enzyme issues improvedramatically."

That is VERY interesting!!!  Now you have peaked my interest in Denosyl... when i need to use Milk Thistle for my Rico (Cushing Disease and Erlichea Tick Disease) i have been breaking opn a capsule of Milk Thistle and tucking the granules in a little pouch of cream cheese....the Denosyl would be easier.

Thanks for telling us about this. Good information.... I will chat with my vet about it.

Anita & Kaya at October 2, 2009 at 11:31 PM

Hi Everyone,

 

I have a dog w/ canine epilepsy as well & all my dogs get milk thistle as a supplement.  It helps detoxify & repair the liver & is a wonderful antioxidant.  I use Denosyl because it is chewable.

 

For dosing - Clark's rule;  divide your dog's weight in pounds by 150 & this will give you a percentage.  Then multiply the human dose by that percentage for your dog's dosage.

 

Kaya, my dog w/ EPI had elevated liver enzymes so I put her on that & Denosyl.   We'll be rechecking them soon. It has helped Link's liver enzymes (my dog w/ seizures) normalize & Jada who also had significant liver enzyme issues improve dramatically.   She was scheduled for a liver biopsy & I decided to try some supplements & a liver detox diet instead because I wasn't sure how she would fare anesthesia & I didn't think a diagnosis would make a difference.  She was like a new dog in 2 weeks!

 

We use it for humans w/ hepatitis.

 

I'll get off my soap box...I think it is a great supplement!

 

Incidentally, Kaya who was diagnosed over a month ago is putting on weight & doing great!

Did the Denosyl make a difference in the liver numbers?

Hi Diane,

While I've never used Denosyl, Zeke had a pre-surgery blood work-up about 3 months ago and some of his liver enzymes were elevated.  While not alarming (definately over the high normal range though), my vet had decided to change the anethsisia protocol. I started giving him Milk Thistle and just a week and a half later, the day of his surgery they ran another chem panel and his liver enzymes were all within normal levels!  I couldn't believe it! The vet couldn't believe it! He's been on MT since.... I'm a believer! 

Diane~

I continue to give Milk Thistle to my Rico..... he has to take Lysodren (chemical drug for Cushings) 3 days a week (T,W,T) of every week. I give him Milk Thistle on the same days.  His liver panel always comes back perfect too. I chatted with my vet and he asked me to continue this regimen with the Milk Thistle..... So i, like Donna, am a believer too in Milk Thistle.