EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

THIS WAS POSTED BY ONE OF OUR MEMBERS, HANS' owner, THAT I AM POSTING HERE IN OUR "FILES" SECTION BECAUSE IT CERTAINLY MAKES A LOT OF SENSE, ESPECIALLY  WITH  EPI DOGS BECAUSE FOR A LONG TIME THE APPROPRIATE NUTRIENTS ARE NOT ABSORBED IN THE EPI DOG THAT IT SKEWS MANY, MANY THINGS, CAUSING A VARIETY OF ISSUES, BUT THEREIN LIES THE PROBLEM... SOMETIMES WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT GOT SKEWED IN WHICH DOG......

"I have read a lot of posts with people and dogs having all kinds of problems. I would like to make a general recommedation to all.

Have a Chem 27 Done on you dogs.

Thisis a blood test that checks about 29 different factors in the blood. B12 may not be the only vitamin your dog needs. This test checks things like Calcium, Glucose, Potassium, Total and direct Bilirubin, TCO2,etc. By doing this and going over it with your vet AFTER you take a copy and check it for yourself, just may make you a happyer healthier dog.

Hans was low (flaged) on 5 different things. So that if you are like me and your vet never heard of EPI this will give him and you a place to look for other things that could help. Hans's Glucose was flatlined 20 (Reference Range 60-125) Cholesterol, TCO2, NA/K WERE ALL LOW. Potassium Was high (all lows and highs were out of Reference Range). This test was done after he was started on Enzymes.

After this test We put him on several vitamins. (Ester C, Calcium etc.)

We had the Chem 27 Test re-done 30 days later and he is now well into theReference Ranges recomended! For the sake of you dogs please please consider having the CHEM 27 TEST done on him/her."