The following is a story of a Chihuahua with EPI:

Buddy Lee

Buddy Lee is a Chihuahua who suffered for a couple of years before the vets realized it COULD be EPI. It wasn't until his drastic weight loss that anyone really took notice. Up until then, it was passed off as stomach upset, colitis or IBS. I knew it was none of the above. I also knew my dog was in a lot of pain, a lot of the time, and Albon or Pepto Bismol did little for him. I also knew he had bowel movements that were downright ugly and I carried many of them to the various vets we saw. I now believe it was a form of pancreatitis, which our bigger dog suffered from but no one suggested it for my Buddy Lee. After he dropped 1.5# (a LOT for a 6# dog) I got information through a Chihuahua meet up site that he might have EPI. I asked my vet to run the test. My vet was surprised when it came back as the diagnosis, as it's generally considered a "Big Dog" problem. My story is that, today, after 6 months of enzyme therapy, I have a happy, healthy, Chihuahua. Last November (2007) I cried every day as I thought each day he was one step closer to passing.

Another Chi owner friend of mine is running up against the same kind of anti EPI prejudice for her dog, who has the exact same symptoms, posture, etc, as my Buddy Lee. Her vet WON'T run the tests. I sent her some Viocase tablets I keep on hand and her dog is making an amazing turnaround. For the first time in over a year, she has become vocal. Wouldn't that make you cry? She's also gained a few ounces. She dropped from 4.9# to 1.9# but is on the way back. The friend's vet has agreed that "IF" she continues to gain weight, he will prescribe the Viocase for her. Unfortunately for her, she lives so far out in the sticks, her veterinary choices are few. Fortunately for her, she lives in Texas, home of TAMU. It's only a matter of ego as her vet could call them anytime for advice.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story of Buddy Lee, let's all work to get the word out....EPI can afflict any breed! Article and pictures are courtesy of Buddy Lee's mom, Kate from KS.