EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Claire doesn't want to eat anything that has enzymes on it now.  I've tried salmon, chicken breast ground up, have been grinding up the other dogs kibble, she has always like that.  If I offer her a little with no enzyme, she'll scarf it down, but as soon as I offer her some with enzymes, she backs away.  I was able to get her to eat a little by sprinkling some cheese on top, but not much.

I don't know what to do at this point.  Is there some other enzyme I could switch her to, maybe just for a short time, in hopes she'll eventually go back to the regular enzymes??

Hi Sue.  Don't really have anything to offer.  I wonder if she doesn't associate the smell of enzyme w/ the upset tummy?  Some do use creon, if I had any, i'd meet you w/ it, but have never tried it.  Have you tried baby food, sardines, etc?  When Hondo's been in a bad SIBO flare/food intolerance, he, too, didn't want to eat what was his, but would walk back and try to get to Molly's.  I think he did associate his food w/ the stomach pains.  At this point, all I can really offer you are hugs.  Did you talk to your vet re anti's, to see if SIBO isn't also at play?

I guess, you could try getting a bit of enzyme down her w/ a small amount of food, then give plain food right afterwards, see how it goes, if you could find something, anything, that she will take w/ the enzymes?

I haven't tried sardines.  Yesterday, she did eat some of her own food and then I let her have some of the others kibble.  Well, that was a mistake, by bedtime she was just oozing poo, and this morning her blankets were covered in it.  She did eat some breakfast this morning, had to keep

re-offering it to her. 

I just took her outside, and her stools look much better.  They actually had a little form, still pretty yellow.

She's suppose to go in tomorrow for the bile acid test, they'll draw a fasting and then 2hrs post eating.  If she won't eat, they won't be able to do the test.  Dr Stewart did suggest trying to get some enzymes down her and then letting her eat food without.  After doing that last night, I'm not sure that's the best thing.  I will ask her about trying capsules for a few days.  She also said last night, if things are still the same tomorrow, she will probably start her on an anti.

Hello Sue,

We use the Creon capsule form of enzymes ordered online here www.canadapharmacy.com/

There are other places online to order them from also.  Since you kinda need it now... it is a human drug and I believe your vet can write a prescription and you can fill it at a local pharmacy.

Another option is to go to a health food store and pick up gel caps to load your powder enzymes into... I think it may effect their efficiency but they supposedly still work that way to some degree.

Or as Karen suggested, if you can mix the powder enzyme in a small amount of maybe baby food or something else and get her to eat that right before her regular meal.  And I would also still be concerned about the possibility of SIBO as that does seem to effect their appetite.

First off Sue, I'm so sorry this is happening to Claire...She's had enough already...Sardines and tuna packed in water really helped Tara eat...Also Jack Mackrel canned fish.  You can try encapsulating the enzymes, then feed her if you think that will help...I'm afraid you will not get Creon before your test...BTW, I used to administer enzymes this way (encapsulating them) and it always worked.

Hugs to you and Claire both,

Sue, The only thing I can offer here are well wishes for your beautiful Claire.   She is so darn cute and I hope she is feeling better real soon.   Michele and Jackie

Only help I can offer is to advise you not to try and think ways to cover the smell of the enzymes.  Dogs olfactory senses allow them to smell each individual scent when it comes to more than one scent being present.  In other words, when somebody is cooking beef stew in a house we smell beef stew.  A dogs smells the beef, the carrots, the celery, the broth etc. Sounds like the capsules are gonna be the way to go for you anyhow but pet food stores sell products like VitaGravy pet food topping for finicky eaters so maybe this would help if the capules don't do the trick.  Despite the name it's not the healthiest thing but anything to get her to eat is better than not.  Best to you and Claire

ahhh Sue... i am so sorry to hear that Claire doesn't want to eat.....my heart is jsut breaking for you and her... and she is such a little trouper... i just hate hearing this.

It sure cuold be SIBO turning her off food with enzymes in it... or seomthing else... What i have found is serving up some canned kippers (herring) from walmart stinks even worse than sardines... so that might mask the "smell" or else what others have suggested... just putting the enzymes in a capsule... anything to get her to eat at this point...........

Will be saying prayers for little Claire tonight.

We have to use Creon in Australia but it works. 'Lu gets it with a little cream cheese and virtually inhales the stuff which is good as these are enteric coated and to be most effect shouldn't be chewed although some here have sprinkled onto the food with success. Hopefully you can find something that she just can't resist...

Craig

Poor Claire, poor Sue - prayers going your way.

Sue~

Any luck with Claire eating today??????

Well, we had to cancel the bile acid test, she needs a 12hr fast and her blood sugar dropped too low last night, so I had to give her some nutri-cal.  We're trying again on Fri.

She did eat most of her breakfast this morning.  We mixed it with the enzymes and put some non enzyme sardines on top.  Either she was hungry enough that she didn't care or the sardines just couldn't be passed up.  I'm just thankful she ate.

I'll pick up some gel capsules today, if she refuses her supper we can try that.

At least she ate... TG!

Definitely get the gel-caps..... those have been a life saver for many who's dog just stopped eating...........and helped them get over the "hump".

PLease keep us posted on our little trouper!

Sue - I'm glad to hear Claire ate most of her breakfast. Keep us posted and good luck on Friday.

Well, it took some coaxing but Claire ate all her supper.  She likes parmeson cheese, so that helped.  When she started slowing down I added little bits of liver treats I make, and with the help of those she cleaned up her bowl.  What a wonderful feeling that was........... She's been up and around a little bit more tonight, acts like she's feeling a bit better. 

I just hope and pray this is a virus that will clear up and her liver will be just fine.

Hi Sue,

Fingers, toes and paws are crossed here that this continues AND that she able to both fast and have eaten to have the tests completed!

Thinking of Claire, Sue.   Hugs & prayers coming your way. 

Good luck on Friday.

Lynn & girls.

Glad to hear she is feeling a little better Sue...Good luck on Fri - hope all goes well.

Glad to hear that Claire is eating some.  It makes you feel so good when they eat.  Will be thinking of you on Friday.

Barb

Good luck tomorrow.