EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

We are thinking of adopting a 3 y.o. GSD w/ EPI. The long term expense is troubling. And I keep thinking there are plenty of healthy dogs that need adopted. Thoughts?

Just copied this over .

Hi and welcome!  Do you know how the dog is currently responding to treatment or is being treated? EPI dogs can vary in the way they respond. My Sofie has responded very well and the costs to me now are probably less than what I used to spend when she was eating treats:) I have some Tylan on hand in case she needs it for SIBO but she hasn't needed it since first diagnosed and treated. The B12 shots/pills aren't very expensive - shots can be done at home and the B12 ordered very economically online, B12 with intrinsic factor can be purchased at Wal-Mart. If you get your enzymes through Enzyme Diane like myself and many others on this site do, the cost is pretty negligable. Like I said, I used to spend more on treats lol.

If you have any doubts though it may be best if you think about it a bit longer. It is a lifetime committment and does require some adjustments compared to having a "regular" dog:) I consider Sofie healthy - she just has a "condition" that requires some care.

Good luck with whatever you decide. If you do adopt an EPI'er, this group is wonderful for offering advice and support.

Hi and Welcome,  Kodi is our second EPI girl.....they both started out 'healthy ' dogs. I guess that once the routine is down, it is not a big deal for us.As far as the costs....it can impact a budget...but I guess it is a choice,we just adjust and eat out less!! lol (And it's healthier for us!!! LOL)  But seriously.. you do have a choice and it is not for everyone....I agree with Tracey, if in doubt...think about it longer and it is a life long commitment for the dog.

Maddie is a rescue but EPi only came on when she was 3 yrs old so what i am trying to say is that wether you choose to adopt an EPI dog you just cant tell what is around the corner there are many other conditions that are costly not just EPI.

 ( we have members on here that have an epi dog and then have adopted another )

What ever you decide any dog can be a financial commitment.

Ann

Our pet adoption group took in a 1.5 year German Shepherd with EPI, 55 pounds. His medical records showed he had never gained weight. The people were feeding him Purina Pro Plan without any enzymes. The dog was starving his whole life.

I fed him the same exact food as my other dogs, except with a bit of enzymes, and in two months he was at 80+ pounds.

The two things which I think helped the most are feeding a lot of food in 4 meal segments (which is how puppies gain weight, apparently) and feeding a home prepared diet. Real food is simply more easily digested.

At the end he was eating exactly like the other dogs with a tiny fraction of a teaspoon of enzymes.

Here is how I fed him. Knowing a bit about food and nutrition helps with epi but also every dog. There is a lot of misinformation. People constantly told me it would cost $100 per month to treat him, but it costs almost nothing. Perhaps he was simply an easy case, but his former owner and their vet were not successful.

http://iowapetadoptions.com/epi

I've been told he is doing great on his Acana Grasslands (which is what we already feed our GSD) and enzyme powder.  However, I know he is kept in a kennel and no longer the house.  I don't know if that is indicative of "problems". To boot we have a 17 month old that likes to feed our white shep. from his high chair. We 'try" to discourage that but it's so darn sweet! I know we will HAVE to stop that with an EPI dog, right?

I don't think anyone can advise you on whether you should adopt an EPI dog or a dog without any known health issues. That is a choice only you can make. I would suggest you read some of the posts. You will see the hard times, the heartbreaking stories of some of these dogs and you will see the utter joy when a dog turns around and we all rejoice. Overall there is a bit of added expense for an EPI dog. Not as much for a small dog but the bigger the meals the more enzymes you use. Only you know if that is something that you would be comfortable adding to your budget. My dog has other health issues and I worry about his EPI the least. Many of his additional expenses are for his other issues.

No treats from the high chair for an EPI dog.

I know it can be heartbreaking if it doesn't work out but what about a trial period? Our rescue sometimes puts dogs into homes on a months trial. It just might be enough to help you see if you can cope or not. Maybe a 17th month old and one GSD is enough work for the time being? Only you will know if you can cope with another addition.

I adopted an EPI dog, no regrets but I'm very lucky and get financial help with Wallace. Our UK enzymes are more expensive than gold! Well feels that way!

Good luck, Gillian xox

Welcome. We just adopted 2 and a half year old Phoenix 3 months ago. She has EPI but was in a stable condition upon adoption. We have had some issues when she ate something she was not supposed to but overall the condition can be managed well. This website gives you the opportunity to speak with people who have dogs with the same problems and everyone is very helpful. I am so grateful for the advice I have received. There is no guarantee that any dog will be healthy. Our previous dog, Rocky, passed away from cancer at just six years old. It took him very quickly - within weeks - and before that he was the most energetic, healthy GSD you could ever meet. Basically I am saying there are no guarantees regarding health. It does take commitment and care to take an EPI dog into your home but I think it is well worth it. I have no regrets and love Phoenix to bits and she returns every bit of love and much more. The financial commitment can be reduced with all the great advice and contacts you get on this website. Having said that - it is a big decision for any family. Think about it fully so you have no regrets.

Kathy and Phoenix

Thanks everyone! The current owner/guardian said we could have a trial period of 1--2 months, so we shall see.

That's great, please do let us know if you have any questions during that period  

We decided not to get the GSD...not b/c the EPI, but thought he was too skilled for a regular ole' family dog since he was at schutzund level 3 on protection. He will be a great dog for someone!

Please feel free to tell wherever he currently is at now about this site so WHEN he does get adopted the new owners fully understand how EPI can be managed.    Notice I said "when" he gets adopted - he will...and when he does he has a group already here willing to help.   Thank you for even considering taking him in though    My best to your family...