EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

We started Matou on the Pancreatin 8 x usp powder tonight.  I mixed 1 cup of kibble(Less then 4% fiber and less then 12% fat.) with 1/4 cup warm water and add 1 teaspoon of the powder.  I mixed it well and then let it sit for a half an hour.  Before I feed her I mixed it again but it was the consistency  that I thought it would be.  It was a little "Wet" would be what I would call it but it wasn't really broken down.  Please I really want Matou to get better and I really hope that the Pancreatin will be what helps, I just need to get the mixture right.  I know it may be a trial and error sort of situation but if anyone could give me some addvice I would be very grateful.

Thank you,

Hello,

As we're in Australia, we don't use the pancreatin but we did start off using the enzyplex (and even though it wasnt enough in itself, thank you creon!) we went through the same mixing and standing process.

My understanding of how the enzymes work is that they begin to break down the food when they come into contact with it but the vast bulk of digestion (breaking down) is going to occur after the dog has eaten it and its in their stomach and digestive tract.

So never fear, it sounds like you are doing the right thing and you are in the right place to get plenty of advice from some very experienced and knowlegeable individuals.

Jemima

Hi Cam,

I can't tell you how much water I use since I just eyeball it but the food resembles oatmeal after it has incubated. You might want to start with 3/4 (level) tsp of the enzyme per cup of food since you are using the 8X.  Tell us what Matou's poops look after he has had a couple of meals with the enzymes - because of transit time you might not notice any difference in his first post enzyme poop.

Sometimes it takes a little tweaking here and there but you're doing just fine, Cam.

Hi Cam,

I use the pancreatin 8x and do exactly like you did and it works (in addition to the weekly B12 shots).  Just make sure when you put it in you mix and mix and mix - sometimes I even mix a few times during the 1/2 hr if I can.  I don't measure the 1/4 cup water - I put the tap on full blast and let it run into her bowl for about 3 seconds - figure it is about 1/4 cup.  I will measure how much water I use in this AM's feeding and let you know.     Don't worry - you are doing it all right - the poops will tell.    

Hi Cam,

You are doing everything fine.  Sometimes you just have to make little adjustments here and there.  We had to give Kolby more water for a while and we let his food sit for 45  minutes to an hour  because he got ulcers at first, but now we have cut the water back a bit and let it sit for 45 minutes.  I do mix  a lot when I add the water and I mix halfway through the incubation time. 

How many  cups are you giving per day?   Is he ok eating the food with the enzymes?  Kolby didn't like the food at first, so I fed him off a spoon for a bit until he got used to it.  Then I fed him from a flat dish for a while.  There was something overwhelming his muzzle when he stuck his head into his regular feeding bowl and he would back away from it.  I think it was just getting used to it.  Now he gobbles it down from his regular bowl.

Hang in there.  This is all new to him too.  Let us know how he progresses.

Barb

Hi.  Sounds like you are doing fine.  I do want to echo what Kathy  mentioned, though.  3/4 tsp 8X = 1 tsp 6X.  So you can lower for the 8X strength.  You may need to tweak a bit down the road, but for now, the 1:1 is a great place to start. Or in your case, the 3/4 :1.

Some kibble is harder to break down, but some dogs can handle it this way.  Some people on the harder kibble do grind it first or soak w/ just water for a bit, then add the enzyme and soak.  See how you do this way, you can always change to grinding or soaking longer if it doesn't work.

Good luck and let us know the end results!

Hi Cam,

The kibble I use is very hard and it doesn't turn into oatmeal, it just gets wet as you say, but it works fine!  Actually, as I have issues with Tara eating in general, I'm glad it doesn't turn into oatmeal as the kibble I had her on prior did and it was a real turn-off for her.

Sometimes EPI dogs turn around overnight, while others take more time...Hang in there!!! The hardest part of this whole journey is patience!!!! 

Hi Cam...fill us in on what is happening! :-)

Hi Cam,

I mix several meals at once. I let set for one hour than feed. That meal doesn't look like it's very broken down but the meals I put in the fridge until needed are a thick oatmeal. As long as I let it set out for 1hr before feeding or putting in fridge, both work well for Partner.

Ann & Partner-Melrose, MA. USA

Hi Cam,

Wondering how  you and Matou are doing with the feeding.  Keep us posted.

Barb