EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
managing EPI
Forum
| Forum Home > General Discussion > Another Bump in the road for Chase...Addison's? | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Member Posts: 210 |
I don't know if this is thre right food for Chase. Poops have gone south AGAIN and he didn't eat his breakfast or lunch today. He started losing interest in food yesterday afternoon, when he didn't finish his lunch. He ate the rest of his lunch and dinner S L O W L Y last night, but nothing this morning or afternoon. Rogue snagged a couple kibbles though! He's also been really gassy AGAIN. I called the IMS to see how long I needed to wait before switching foods and they told me a month, to let his system get used to it? I am just so frustrated. I am almost wondering if I need to bump him up on his pred....I will give it til tomorrow night & call the vet Friday morning if he doesn't start eating. The IMS said to bump his Anti's up for today and tomorrow, maybe to help him get over the slump....guess we'll see what happens. Jean- Chase hasn't been tested for allergies, so I don't know for sure if he is allergic to anything. Barb- I know what you mean about not wanting to screw up a good thing. I think I would rather be safe than sorry! Kathy- Chase is the only dog I have ever seen that will eat anything but dogfood...For the last week I have been super careful not to leave anything out, my kids either. Chase is so huge, he can rest his head on the kitchen table and he will snag something off your plate if you leave it unattended. And if there is nothing on your plate, he will steal your napkin & eat that! Naughty Monster! (That's actually how he got the nickname Monster....from snagging stuff and eating it) Fingers crossed that the appetite returns.... Megan | |
|
-- Owned By Chase.... aka "Monster," a non EPI Shepherd Husky mix who has digestive issues, probably IBD. Feeding Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Whitefish and potato. He is currently taking 10 mg of pred and 20 mg Reglan (his stomach doesn't empty quick enough) daily. 500 mg Metro 2x daily. Low weight 68 lbs Record weight 113 lbs as of July 2012!
| ||
|
Member Posts: 449 |
Hi Megan
it really is tough when you have to try to find a food that works for some dogs.
My fingers are crossed for u as well that chase ( aka monster) s appetite gets better.
Hopefully just a bit more time 
Wanda & maezi
| |
--Maezi is a female Australian cattle dog (blue Heeler) from BC Canada born may 11-2010 Dx with EPI july 27,2011 & Oxalate crystals june 2012.The story of her journey and struggles with EPI are featured on the EPI stories section above
| ||
|
Member Posts: 210 |
Hi all....Just wanted to give a brief update on Chase.....I don't think this dog food is for him. From last Friday until yesterday, he only ate 8 cups of food. His vet said to bump up his roids to see if that would increase his appetite, but he still wouldn't touch it! He got into Rogue's food yesterday(TOTW lamb) and I just said forget it....If he will eat that I am gonna let him. I am not going to starve my dog for a whole month to try out this food. I am still waiting to hear back from the IMS, but who knows what's going on with that. The tech said they were going to work out a new plan for Chase, when I talked to them yesterday. I paid a lot of $$ for that visit....now they are gonna have to deal with me bugging them LOL! No worries! I am gonna keep on trucking! Something has gotta give! Megan | |
|
-- Owned By Chase.... aka "Monster," a non EPI Shepherd Husky mix who has digestive issues, probably IBD. Feeding Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Whitefish and potato. He is currently taking 10 mg of pred and 20 mg Reglan (his stomach doesn't empty quick enough) daily. 500 mg Metro 2x daily. Low weight 68 lbs Record weight 113 lbs as of July 2012!
| ||
|
Member Posts: 1683 |
You would think there has to be a food out there that's good for him that he'll actually like...poor Monster! I hope things go okay on Rogue's food. Good luck! | |
|
-- Mom to Pixie, 7 year old sheltie,inherited from my mother-in-law 3/11. Dx of EPI 9/09. TLI in 10/09 was 0.4 ug/L. As of 12/2/11, Folate fasting levels was 13.6 ug/L, and Cobalamin fasting was 615. Current weight 21.7 lbs (4/13), solid member of the Chunky Monkey Club! Ideal weight around 17, I think, but she's not obese at this weight, so maybe 17 is a little low. Feeding grain free - Natural Balance canned lamb and Nature's Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Lamb kibble. Giving slightly less than 1/2 tsp Pancreatin 8X per 1/2 cup of food. Tylan currently 1x/day. Also takes 1/2 tablet pepcid for stomach upset 2x/day. Primal Defense probiotics 1/8 tsp, 3x/week. Getting bi-weekly B-12 shots. Our little pack also includes my husband, our 12 year old sheltie, Lucy, and our 9 year old sheltie, Einstein.
| ||
|
Member Posts: 210 |
Open Mouth and Insert Foot! The IMS called me back. The issue with Chase and food is that he has been exposed to too many proteins. This Royal Canin stuff it the only protein out there that he hasn't been exposed to. The tech however, gave me so ideas to try so I am back on board with the whitefish and potato. I bought some prescriptipon canned food and added it to dry stuff and he ate it! Another thing she said is that I can add potatoes (only potatoes) to his food for a snack (sounds bland) and I can bake the canned food for a different texture and add to the food. Another thing she said was to try the regualr dog food, not the large breed which he is on now. The only other alternative is a scope and biopsy's and I don't have the $$ for that right now. She quoted me between $1500-$1800. YIKES!!! So I have to give this another try.....and try really hard! It has just been so frustrating. I cried talking to her today....She told me that a dog will not starve himself.....I said B.S.!!! this one did and that the TOTW was the only food he actually would eat before. All in all, I am gonna give it another shot.....I NEED EVERYONE TO CROSS THEIR FINGERS FOR ME!!!!! Thanks, Megan Megan | |
|
-- Owned By Chase.... aka "Monster," a non EPI Shepherd Husky mix who has digestive issues, probably IBD. Feeding Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Whitefish and potato. He is currently taking 10 mg of pred and 20 mg Reglan (his stomach doesn't empty quick enough) daily. 500 mg Metro 2x daily. Low weight 68 lbs Record weight 113 lbs as of July 2012!
| ||
|
Member Posts: 78 |
Oh my gosh Megan. It sounds like you are having a time of it. My fingers and Skye's paws are crossed for you and Chase (Monster). You are doing everything you can for him! Keep the faith girl. | |
|
-- Skye (female GSD) Age-(?) rescued 8/2004 b/t 8-10yrs. Weight 58lbs. Long history of chronic pancreatitis. Dx'd on 7/23/12 with EPI, SIBO & Low B12- Results: TLI (2.3), B12 (165), Folate (21.1) Feed 2-3 times a day 1can tuna, yams, chickpeas, cottage cheese & carrots to make 2cups- Dose with PancreaPlus 2tsp-incubate for 20min- B12 shots weekly for 6 weeks and Amoxicillin (twice a day) for 2weeks- Treatment started 7/26/12. She also is being treated with Melatonin for Atypical Cushings dx'd in 2011. 8/2/12-Started on Natures Variety Instinct-Salmon meal 1/8cup per feeding along with homemade and increasing kibble each day by 1/8cup. 8/4/12-Weight down to 57.3lbs. 8/5/12-Increased feedings to total 6cups per day. 8/10/12- Started 1c 4x's a day- Orijen Regional Red with 1T of Natures Variety canned raw Venison. 8/12/12 Weigh in-gained 1.7lbs (total 59lbs). 8/26/12-Weighed 60.3 9/15/12-Weight- 64lbs (Yay)...Dx'd with Lymphoma (Yuck), no chemo...started Prednisone. Still eating Orijen Regional Red 1c 4x's a day (kibble smashed with mallet) with 1/2 can tuna fish per feeding with 1tsp 6x per cup, incubating 30mins. Started Trinfac B on 9/17/12. Giving her tons and tons of love and living in the moment!!! Helped Skye across the bridge on March 23, 2013. She is tracking with angels now.
| ||
|
Member Posts: 2062 | Fingers toes and paws crossed here for you! Good luck Megan. | |
|
-- Paula and Maya (bday 12/21/06) (diagnosed 10/26/10 TLi 1.5, B12 659 (ref:249-733), weight 52 lbs. After 30 days, retested B12/folate - B12 plummeted to 200, which greatly affected her personality. After following B12 protocol, currently giving weekly B12 shots at home. Weight in July 2012: 75 lbs - the picture of health.
| ||
|
Member Posts: 1665 |
Everything crossed here !!!!! Wishing you luck !!! | |
|
-- Dar and Kodi, From Washington state Kodi (GSD female) , born August 19, 2010 , was diagnosed July 15, 2011 at 11 months .Lowest weight, 47 lbs, weight as of 4/27/2013 62.9 lbs. Our goal for her at this time is now 65 lbs. !!! And she made it!! . TLI .07 , Folate 9.4 , Cobalmin 536 . Kodi is on Great Life grain and potato free Buffalo,1 & 1/2 cups kibble with added canned or home cooked bison 3 times a day with 2 teaspoons of enzymes from Diane. (Also some home cooked meals)1 Trinfac-B capsule once a day. Also 1/8 t. of ground coriander, 1/16 t. of ground fennel seed and cinnamon per meal (for stomach acid and burps). Having acupunture with a holistic vet for food and enviromental allergies, doing accupressure points and taking 1000 mg.Super Quercetin daily for allergies.
| ||
|
Member Posts: 1683 |
We're crossed here, too...You can do it, Megan! That's wonderful that he'll eat with the canned mixed in. You can try to keep the cost down by adding just a small amount of the canned and refrigerating the rest for the next meal. When we got Pixie she wouldn't eat her kibble, so I got canned just to try and she ate that a lot better. Now she eats really well, and we mix both canned and kibble together for her. Good luck and keep us posted. | |
|
-- Mom to Pixie, 7 year old sheltie,inherited from my mother-in-law 3/11. Dx of EPI 9/09. TLI in 10/09 was 0.4 ug/L. As of 12/2/11, Folate fasting levels was 13.6 ug/L, and Cobalamin fasting was 615. Current weight 21.7 lbs (4/13), solid member of the Chunky Monkey Club! Ideal weight around 17, I think, but she's not obese at this weight, so maybe 17 is a little low. Feeding grain free - Natural Balance canned lamb and Nature's Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Lamb kibble. Giving slightly less than 1/2 tsp Pancreatin 8X per 1/2 cup of food. Tylan currently 1x/day. Also takes 1/2 tablet pepcid for stomach upset 2x/day. Primal Defense probiotics 1/8 tsp, 3x/week. Getting bi-weekly B-12 shots. Our little pack also includes my husband, our 12 year old sheltie, Lucy, and our 9 year old sheltie, Einstein.
| ||
|
Member Posts: 210 |
Oh! Thank you guys for supporting Chase, the non- EPI'er. He did eat his dinner tonight (canned and kibble)and I hope he continues to do so. I have done nothing but read read read on IBD today. It sounds like it is, but we know that sooooo many conditions have the same symptoms. It makes sense, but I know that a biopsy is inevitable, to confirm. I am doing all I can for him right now and that is all I can do. I am trying to be optimistic because I have tried the canned and kibble combo with Chase before, and it worked for a few days then he got turned off of it. I feel like I have started all over again with him except he is 45 lbs heavier than when I first joined this forum.....HE IS HEALTHIER, but the rest of the puzzle pieces just need to be put in place...... Shirl- Oh yeah! You better believe that I have the rest of that can refrigerated for future use! 3 cans was $10! I even put a little dab in Rogue's food so hers smells like his. I wondered if he just caught on to her having different food. They always want what the other wants....just like kids! Thanks guys! Megan | |
|
-- Owned By Chase.... aka "Monster," a non EPI Shepherd Husky mix who has digestive issues, probably IBD. Feeding Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Whitefish and potato. He is currently taking 10 mg of pred and 20 mg Reglan (his stomach doesn't empty quick enough) daily. 500 mg Metro 2x daily. Low weight 68 lbs Record weight 113 lbs as of July 2012!
| ||
|
Member Posts: 1782 |
Hi Megan. Here is the link for the IBD group. You may want to try to join. There are a lot of people who have gone through these trials like you are going through and maybe they can help you out. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/IBDogs/ You and Chase are in my thoughts. | |
--
| ||
|
Member Posts: 1782 |
Hi again Megan. I have another thought also. There is a probiotic out for humans that is working well with ulcerative colitis in humans. Many dogs on the IBD list are using it, with their IMS's approval. If you join the list, you can read more about it. Many are seeing very good results. The AKC's Canine Health Foundation has it on their page as there is research being done on it for dogs with IBD. It is a tad pricey, but it may be worthwhile to run this by your IMS and see if they think it is worth a try? It is called VSL #3. Here are the links so that you can share with your vet. http://www.vsl3.com/discover/whyvsl3.asp http://www.akcchf.org/research/funded-research/1609.html | |
--
| ||
|
Site Owner Posts: 10230 |
Hi Megan...... Definitely check into the VSl3 with your vet........... altough not identical systems, humans and dogs sometimes do do well when treated with the same treatment. My son-in-law had all the same issues our dogs here have and they had him on the VSL3 which in the end was the only thing that straighten him out.... and he was in rough shape... rushed to the hopsital 3 times within 6 months... they did surgery, tried steroids, various other probiotics and the VSL3 is what finally worked. GOod luck!!!!!!! | |
|
-- 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. In Feb 2013, Izzy developed a very serious condition called IMHA which she (thankfully) beat and is now in remission. We also discovered that now, at 8 years old, she not only has EPI, but also Diabetes and Low Thyroid. Izzy was able to receive excellent care because of the kindness of so many here on epi4dogs and is currently doing extra-ordinarily well. If anyone could spend a day with Izzy, they would never guess that she has any health problems!
| ||
|
Member Posts: 911 |
Fingers and paws crossed here too:)! | |
|
-- Tracey and Sofie Sofie, Shiloh shepherd, born March 2010; diagnosed April 2011. Currently eats 5 cups of Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain (has no chicken in it) per day plus a bit of cooked beef, pork, tripe or liver, etc. with 1 tsp. of 8x enzymes per cup. 2 Trinfac-B Intrinsic Factor per day. 1/4 tsp. Tylan 2x per day with meals - every time I try to stop the SIBO comes back. Looking at probiotics..
| ||
You must login to post.
Advanced Forum Search
For best results use this box to search forum
Recent Videos
