EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
managing EPI
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| Forum Home > General Discussion > Sad update for Frasier | ||
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Member Posts: 84 |
I'm sorry to say that I had to Euthanize him this morning. I'm quite heartbroken about it, but he was so frail and weak, that I had no choice. He was diagnosed on Dec. 16, with Diabetes, went on Insulin, and was doing well, when, on Dec. 26th, he started to refuse his food, and by last thursday, was eating, with coaxing, but not keeping a lot of it down. He was ultrasounded that Thurs. and they got tests back, over the weekend, which made them think that he had some sort of blockage. He got a shot on Mon. am that kept down his vomiting, and he drank water and kept it down, but still wouldn't eat. He actually seemed better and more responsive, and my Vet. friend, suggested, either an Endoscopy, or a Bariem series of Xrays. I agreed to it last night, but in the night, I thought that i just couldn't put him through thatkind of stress. They either hold the muzzle shut and get him to swallow, or put a tube into his stomach where there was a high chance that he would vomit it up, and aspirate the barium, maybe giving him Pneumonia. Hell of a choice. He was so weak this am that I took him to the vet. I think the reason I'm so broken up about it, beyond the obvious, is that it was so fast and unexpected. I expected him to live longer and to manage the EPI and Diabetes well. Now comes the real hard part; relearning old habits. He was with me 24/7, for nearly a decade. I couldn't move, without him. Just now, i heard someone on the back porch, and reflexively waited for him to react! I want to thank everyone for their help and support these last 9 months. It helped me so much.
Gini | |
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Member Posts: 517 |
Gini,
I'm so sorry to hear about Frasier. You did everything you could to keep him going. My thoughts and prayers are with you. And my candle is lit for him. | |
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-- Pamela and Rosina; 9 yr old LH Chihuahua Mix; dx'd 10/26/10; Currently 2.5 lbs overweight at 22.5 lbs. Free fed in AM and PM on 3/8 cup Wellness Core Chicken, Turkey Liver, and Chicken Liver Dry and 2 tbsp Wellness Core Chicken, Turkey Liver, and Chicken Liver canned, 1 tsp pumpkin (sometimes add 2 tbsp greenbeans when she needs more food because of increased appetite from the Temaril) and 1/2 tsp Diane's 8X granulated enzymes; 1 tbsp Wellness 95% Chicken or Turkey and 1/16 tsp 8X enzymes incubated and mixed with 1/16 tsp Tylan in the AM. Taking Temaril occasionally for allergies and Metacam 1X most days for leg pain.
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Site Owner Posts: 7645 |
oh gini... i am so sorry and so devastated to hear this... your heart must be broken in half...... frasier is a peace now ....but for you ....i hope that all the wonderful frasier memories will soon replace the huge hole in your heart. hugs and prayers to you | |
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-- Olesia, owned by Izzy-45lb SWD, Diagnosed at 1.5 years old - TLI results 1.3, Stable almost 7 yrs! Once stable, was able to reduce enzymes to only 1/2 tsp of Enzymes with each meal, but after almost 4 years of stabilization... had to increase the amount of enzymes to 3/4 teaspoon with each meal. Feed various grain-free kibble+real meat, 6x pancreatin enzymes from EnzymeDiane. I give 1 tsp of coconut oil one day and 1 tsp salmon oil next day, and also give canned sardines packed without salt or canned herring for extra omega oils.
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Member Posts: 356 |
Gini, I'm SO sorry! I know how hearbreaking it is, we just had a similar experience losing our Nisse. It sounds like you did everything. I pray you find peace in your heart soon. Laurie
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-- Pandora (Panda) TLI 4.6 Cobalamin 531 Folate 18 Panda was a rescue Pembroke Welsh Corgi, likely from a puppy mill. Bio case V Enzymes 3/4 teaspoon per cup of food, incubated 30 minutes. Metro for SIBO, Baytril and amoxicillin for Lyme, because she couldn't tolerate doxycycline. Milk thistle 75 mg a day while on the antibiotics. 1/8th teaspoon Green Blend vitamin mineral powder, working up to 1/4th teaspoon. Attempted to compromise between remedial dietary needs for gastric problems and remedial dietary needs for kidney problems with home cooked diet from Lew Olson's book "Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs". Passed away March 7,- kidneys, liver, gall bladder, neurological symptoms throughout. Even though we only had her two months, she is sorely missed.
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Member Posts: 919 |
My heart goes out to you. I know this is a very sad time for you....but know he is happy and free of illness, waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge...playing with al the other Bridge kids we all miss. | |
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-- Terry Mom of two EPI Shiloh Shepherds: Pharaoh born Nov. 2007 (dx December 2009) and his older half sister,Taiko born Sept. 2006 (dx June 2010). Pharaoh was 62.4 lbs. when diagnosed in 12/2009 and 10/31/11 his weight was 76.6 and 82.5 lbs on 1/28/12. Received six weeks of B12 shots Jan-Feb 2010 but his B12 on 8/10/2010 was only 232. Taiko's weight was 70.7 lbs. in June 2010 (time of diagnosis) and on 10/31/11 was 80.4 and on 1/28/12 was 84 (2 lbs. over vet's max weight for her). B12 was 211 in June 2010 and 293 on 8/10/10 (after getting weekly shots). Both pups receive B12 shots weekly at home. Both are fed twice a day Costco grain free brand: 2 cups kibble in the morning with 4 crushed tblets and 2 1/2 cups evening with 4 1/2 crushed tablets; plus each meal also get cooked ground turkey (app 1/4 lb. each meal) or half a can of dog food.
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Member Posts: 474 |
I'm so sorry Gini. Frasier knew you did everything possible for him. | |
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-- Cheryl~~~Loved by Gabi (and Gus): dx'd 3/09 at 2 yrs old, cTLI 1.5. Currently 71.4 lbs. Was 52.5 lbs 09/10. Twice a day: 2cups California Naturals Grain Free Lamb w/ 1 tsp salmon oil, 100 mg Vit E, & 2 Tbls pumpkin; 1-1/2 tsp Pancreatin 8x mixed w/ 2 tsp Party Animal Salmon canned dog food & 1/8 tsp L-Glutamine given as a gruel right before feeding. Probiotic & B12 MIF once a day. Long term for IBD: Methlyprednisolone 4mg once a day . Wausau, WI
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Member Posts: 51 |
I just joined the list Gini, but I lost my nearly 14 year old Diabetic pug Escher in late summer of 2009. In writing, I'm surprised that it seems like such a long time ago, it sure doesn't feel that way. He did not have EPI, & we thought his Diabetes would be manageable. Within just a couple of weeks, he had severely gone downhill, it was so fast! He went blind, bashed his only remaining eye, as the other was lost to an accident the year prior, & had to have it removed as well. Less than a week after that, with stitches still in his eye, we took him to the vet at 2am. He was laying in the grass as I tried to stimulate him to use the bathroom & he just wasn't him anymore. I relate to responding to the noise of him. I still miss him a great deal, but luckily I have my other dogs for comfort.
((( Gini ))) | |
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-- Selena
with 8 1/2 year old French Bulldog Mocha: current weight 10.2lb as of 2/12/11 (bottom weight 9.8lb on 2/10/11), goal weight 17lb - medication: chlorpheniramine 8mg twice a day for nasal allergies, Prednisone 20mg every other day for skin allergies, Amoxicillin 100g per day for excessive Clostridium, B12 0.25cc biweekly, probiotics, occasional allergy pill when snotty stools back to liquid from pudding (have never been firm in the 4 years we've had her) but still have NO ODOR whereas before dental they were quite pungent! currently eating 1-1 1/2c Wellness Lamb & Barley kibble split between 3-4 meals -
cTLI test 12/24/10: 23.87 "normal on the high end" (normal 5-25) / cobalamin test 1/3/11: B12 levels less than 100 (normal 175-550) / folate test 1/3/11: 6.29 (normal 4-13) / IBD biopsy performed 1/17/11: came back 1/22/11 - 100% normal
(and Maddie the Boston Terrier, Lola the French Bulldog, Hershey the dachshund, Bosley the pug & Spiffy the terrier/pug mix)
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Member Posts: 3926 |
Oh Gini - I am in tears for you...I just can't believe this. You made the right decision - he is now happy and at peace. God gives us these beautiful gifts for such a short period - but in that time it is truly amazing how much they touch our hearts and souls. I have no doubt Frazier will continue to be with you - you will not see him - but he is there - he is in your heart and his light surrounds you - now and forever. Shine on little Frazier...shine on... | |
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-- Michele "No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich" - having 2 makes you even richer! :-)Jackie (back in pic) Diagnosed at 9 mos (09/09) - TLI 0.3 and low end of B12. Pancreatin 8x dosing 3/4tsp per cup. Natures Domain, Trinfac-B Intrinsic Factor daily, probiotics and Duralactin in the am. Stable and happy 115 lbs - thanks to all the beautiful souls on this forum, we could not have done it without YOU. Dexter - Diagnosed 11/10 approx 3 yrs of age. We failed fostering and now he has his forever home
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Member Posts: 1256 |
Gini...I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Frasier was a special, beautiful boy and I know how much you love and miss him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. People will say that time will help you deal with this...and yes, time helps but we never stop loving them and we never stop missing them. One day however, you'll be able to think of the funny and sweet things about him. Run like the wind Frasier! Petloss.com is an amazing place to visit and you may want to go there and post a tribute to your sweet boy...also if you put him on the Bridgekids list for next Monday's ceremony...many of us will join you there. It may not be something that you'd be interested in...but if it is, know that you'll have lots of support...let us know. I truly believe that Frasier was God's special gift to you... | |
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-- Linda, Akira, Indy and the bratcats Akira 101 lb GSD, DOB 9/18/03 Dx'd around her first birthday. First TLI score 1.1, retested 9/07 score had lowered to 0.7. "Normally" eats 2 cups Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Formula, twice daily. 2 t Pancreatin (or 1 t per cup of food) 8x enzymes given right before each meal in heaping t meat baby food with warm water and mixed to a gruel type texture.
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Site Owner Posts: 7645 |
If it should be.... If it should be that I grow frail and weak, and pain should keep me from my sleep, then you must do what must be done, for we know this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand, but don't let grief then stay your hand, for this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years, what is to come can hold no fears. Would you want me to suffer? So, when the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend, only stay with me until the end, and hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see.
It is a kindness that you do to me, although my tail it's last has waved, from pain and suffering I have been saved.
Do not grieve, it should be you, who must decide this thing to do. We've been so close, we two these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears.
-Author unknown- | |
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-- Olesia, owned by Izzy-45lb SWD, Diagnosed at 1.5 years old - TLI results 1.3, Stable almost 7 yrs! Once stable, was able to reduce enzymes to only 1/2 tsp of Enzymes with each meal, but after almost 4 years of stabilization... had to increase the amount of enzymes to 3/4 teaspoon with each meal. Feed various grain-free kibble+real meat, 6x pancreatin enzymes from EnzymeDiane. I give 1 tsp of coconut oil one day and 1 tsp salmon oil next day, and also give canned sardines packed without salt or canned herring for extra omega oils.
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Member Posts: 1843 |
Oh, Gini, I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain of this. You feel like your heart has been ripped out. Our little guys and girls always tell us when it is time and Frasier did let you know. You knew it was time and you could not put him through one more procedure. You let him go out of love and compassion and he knew this. The first weeks are so difficult because you see him everywhere- -and you feel only his absence everywhere. It feels like a giant hole where he once was. If you can stay with that and not run away from the pain, you will soon feel his Presence shining in through that space. That will never leave you. It is the part of him that will be with you always. You took wonderful care of him. You were his gift, and he, yours. Thinking of you. Barb | |
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Member Posts: 2190 |
The worst decision of all
Love Jean | |
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-- Kara:: adopted at five months old 26th December 2009 always hungry more than any of my other dogs became noticeably distressed August 2010 Two vet visits and............. Diagnosed with EPI at 14 months old September 2010 tli<1.00 folate 8.3 cobalimin 611 taking 2 Oxytet antibiotics 3 times a day and eating Nutrix grain free duck and potato kibble and starting to put weight on currently 33 kilos as of 20th June 2011 we also use Tylan if we dont have the time to use the oxytet as it has to be on an empty tum, enzymes at the moment Pancrex granules 3 teaspoons per meal she is 2 yrs old as of 21st July 2011 "UNCONDITIONAL LOVE WAS INVENTED BY DOGS"
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Member Posts: 84 |
Thank you all so much for those comforting words. They do mean a lot. I don't know what Bridgekids is. Could someone tell me? I am seeing him everywhere, but it's okay. We were together 24/7 for a decade, so it's understandable. Gini | |
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Member Posts: 3926 |
The website Petloss.com has a list of pets that have passed - Bridgekids. Every Monday 10:00 pm EST there is a "ceremony" where you light 3 candles and honor your pet. If you would like, please let us know and Frazier's name can be added. I have attended several and people all around the world attend and it just bring us all together to honor pets. | |
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-- Michele "No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich" - having 2 makes you even richer! :-)Jackie (back in pic) Diagnosed at 9 mos (09/09) - TLI 0.3 and low end of B12. Pancreatin 8x dosing 3/4tsp per cup. Natures Domain, Trinfac-B Intrinsic Factor daily, probiotics and Duralactin in the am. Stable and happy 115 lbs - thanks to all the beautiful souls on this forum, we could not have done it without YOU. Dexter - Diagnosed 11/10 approx 3 yrs of age. We failed fostering and now he has his forever home
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Member Posts: 392 |
Gini
So sorry to hear of Frasier's passing.. I know you will miss him very much. They are so much a part of our lives. He knew you loved him and you did all you could. I am thinking of you.
Wanda | |
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-- Anja diagnosed at 8 mos. Jan 26,2010. Lowest weight was 54.5 lbs. Anja now weighs 75 lbs.
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Member Posts: 1256 |
Gini: You will see and hear him everywhere...some people will tell you that it's just because that's what you're used to and so that's what you expect but I'm not so sure that I agree. I've had some amazing experiences...and I know a few other have as well. I started going to Petloss.com many years ago when Nicholas was first diagnosed with cancer and I put him on the special needs list. Later, I also put him on the Bridgekids list and started attending the Monday night candle lighting ceremony. The Bridgekids list is a list of those sweet babies who have passed on. I still do after all these years, although I can't be there every week. I also started spending time in the chat room helping other people as time went on...and I've got to tell you, that helping others, helped me with my loss more than anything else. There are an amazing group of people there and all of them understand the kind of bond we have with our critterkids. It's an amazing place to be...and people truly care. If you don't want to add him to the list for Monday's ceremony, I certainly understand. But...if you'd like to have him added and would rather not do it yourself...just let me know and I'd be happy to do it for you. The candle lighting ceremony is very speical...go into the site and scroll down to read it. You know, Frasier knew how much you love him...and he knew that you did eveything you could to help him feel better. One of the hardest things we ever have to do is to help our babies to the bridge...but it's also one of the most important things we do for them. You are in my thoughts... | |
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-- Linda, Akira, Indy and the bratcats Akira 101 lb GSD, DOB 9/18/03 Dx'd around her first birthday. First TLI score 1.1, retested 9/07 score had lowered to 0.7. "Normally" eats 2 cups Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Formula, twice daily. 2 t Pancreatin (or 1 t per cup of food) 8x enzymes given right before each meal in heaping t meat baby food with warm water and mixed to a gruel type texture.
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Member Posts: 1594 |
Gini, I am so sorry to hear this. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs. | |
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Member Posts: 200 |
This made me cry..so, so sorry for the hard desision you have had to make. God bless you. Heather and Whimsey | |
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-- Whimsey is an 11mo. old German Shortrhair Pointer. She was diagnosed IBD/ Lymphangectasia/allergies ,via full thickness biopsy, in December 2010. She currently eats: rice, potato, The Honest Kitchen "Performance" and RC canned LF GI..We add 1 child vitamin, 2 tums for calcium, 1 50mg Zeniquin and 30 mg Prednisone, 1 Tbsp. of Platinum Performance, and 1 vetri-probiotic daily. She also gets a B-12 shot weekly. . Also mom to Rolo a 9yo. Chocolate Lab. Oh...Tim and Jane too..my 2 legged children.:)
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Member Posts: 904 |
Oh Gini, I am so sorry. There are no words that I can say that will ease your pain right now, but I do so wish you a peaceful nights sleep, and a sense that you did do what was best for Frasier. It was the best and only thing you could have done for him. You saved him suffering and going thru that terrible time during the tests. He will always be with you, and you will feel him around. Dont let anyone tell you that it isnt real. His spirit will never leave you. Talk to him, and he will hear you. God Speed Frasier, you were a great dog. Run Free | |
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-- Brenda & Sailin Suzie. Worlds Greatest Boat Dog
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Member Posts: 727 |
Hi Gini, so sad that you lost your little buddy. Thinking of you. Love Gillian and Wallace xox | |
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-- Wallace rescue GSD. Currently feeding James Wellbeloved Turkey and Vegetable Cereal Free and some Butcher's Tripe. Four teaspoons Pancrex Granules and 2 Lypex capsules per meal. (Will go back to raw pig pancreas soon.) Three meals a day 3 times per week, 2 meals a day the other 4 days otherwise he stops eating. Tylan 1/8 teaspoon twice a day (this is half the recommended dose for his weight but the recommended dose made his poos soft!) Synbiotic D-C (probiotic and prebiotic) capsule once a day. Monthly B12 injection.
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At initial testing - TLI 1.2 (range 5-35) B12 254 (range 249-733) folate 20.2 (range 6.5-11.5) Natures Domain, Pancreatin 8x dosing is 1tsp per cup, Trinfac-B Intrinsic Factor daily, probiotics with each meal and glucosamine chondroitin in the am. Stable and happy 95 lbs 8/15/11You must login to post.
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