Exactly what tests do I ask for?

[Tuckaboo Pam]

Madelon! Thank you.

[Olesia711]

........ and a big glass of wine helps too !

[Jean]

A glass of wine helps with everything, it used to be a cup of tea...........................................................

Point is, you have been treating as if its EPI ,and the Shebo test said it was, so I reckon it is..

When we took Kara ,and I insisted on the test in 2010 the young vet at the time said it wasnt, she was too young, so we did the test, and he rang back tail between his legs, and said I was right, I had a cat with it in the 80's, you never forget that rancid smell, vet didnt believe cat had had it either

let us know

[Tuckaboo Pam]

It's done!!! Tucker and I traversed over 100 miles this morning for his blood draw, and I'm happy to say we are home & Tucker's belly is full. Here is what I know---the blood will go out today by UPS, and it will be sent to Texas A&M.

This is what the printout says---

PLI/TLI/COBALAMINE/FOLATE 2ML---sure hope it's right!

Here's something fun, though---Because our regular vet is mobile, Tucker hasn't been weighed since before treatment started when, at 5 years old, he weighed 60 pounds. That was what he weighed at 6 months, too, with no change in his size since that time. He did not have dramatic weight loss, just no weight gain. His hip bones protruded slightly & you could see his ribs, but you wouldn't have called him emaciated. Basically, he looked like I wish I did, and the vet just thought he had a fast metabolism.

So, over the past year and nine months he has certainly filled out nicely, but it looked as though he had put on maybe 5-7 pounds. Still lean & strong, but you can't see his ribs. Well, when he stepped on the scale this morning, he weighed in at 80 pounds! My boy has actually gained 20 POUNDS!!! I am elated. No wonder I can't pick him up.

Thanks for all your words of encouragement, and even though she won't read this, thanks Dr. Blackburn, for knocking hundreds of dollars off the fee, so we can finally define whether Tucker does or doesn't have EPI. This world really is full of wonderful people. I'll be in touch!---Pam

[Jean]

wow 80 pounds, my Kara stabilised at 90 for several years

[Madelon]

WOW - congrats on the weight gain. Doc had lost 20lbs by the time I got him diagnosed - we were lucky and he gained it back in 6 weeks - he was 95lbs - he stays pretty much at that weight except during winter he usually packs on an extra 10lbs since he's not as active so I actually have to cut his food back during the winter LOL - who would think you'd have to cut back an EPI dog's food LOL - he's currently 105lbs which is a bit too much for his joints.

[Madelon]

Hi Pam! Just wanted to check in and see if you got your test results back yet - I know how anxious you are

[Olesia711]

Hi Pam,

So glad you had the tests done... and that's over with... and the weight gain... 80lbs??!!!! WOW! that is fantastic.
And don't worry whether or not it is EPI, you are now part of the Epi4Dogs family and always welcome here... whether your dog does or doesnt have EPI!

[Tuckaboo Pam]

OLESIA!!! You know that advice you all give, to go early in the week so the blood doesn't sit around all weekend before being sent to TEXAS??? Well, let's add to that advice, don't have your dog's blood drawn on the Monday before the storm of the century hits Texas, or you will get an email from the vet apologizing that the blood is still in FL, one week later. SIGH. I can't complain, though, those poor people are living through hell. Prayers for all of them. I will keep you posted, and thanks so much for asking. ---Pam

[Olesia711]

OMG Pam... i didn't even think of that... DAMN! i wonder if they will ask you if they can re-draw the blood............... at a later date when everyone is back to normal in Texas.............this was certainly unforeseen!