Pain meds with EPI

Epi4Dogs Foundation Inc.’s mission is the advancement of science and education relating to EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), yielding useful insights and positive outcomes in better managing EPI in dogs and cats. Our goals are to support and/or collaborate with veterinary EPI research and researchers, and to promote EPI awareness by educating the general public, pet owners, pet organizations, rescue and shelter organizations, veterinary schools and veterinarians.
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Phil@jagarch.com
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Country: United States
State: California

Pain meds with EPI

Post by Phil@jagarch.com » 01 Apr 2021, 20:09

My Caesar is an 11 year old large GSD(110 lbs), diagnosed at age 3 with the help of this site and has had a great life. Unfortunately he is now near the end, rear legs are failing, I've had to educate the vet about EPI so I'd like to check here first. For these last days/weeks, I'm finding very conflicting information online as to what pain meds would make things more bearable for him and not bring on renal failure or bowel issues that would make his last days worse. I'm not that worried about long term effects since I know it won't be long but it's very hard watching him struggle to get up and walk and know it's the pain that's keeping him down, otherwise his mind wants to do what his body can't anymore. Anyone's experiences with over the counter meds or prescriptions would be welcome. Thanks,

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Madelon
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Pet name: Doc

Re: Pain meds with EPI

Post by Madelon » 01 Apr 2021, 20:40

I'm so sorry to hear Caeser is having such a difficult time. It is heartbreaking watching them get old and in pain. I've used rimadyl (but you have to have blood work to check the liver every 6 mos) and gallaprint - both are prescriptions. I've recently used Spring Time Joint Powder for my GSD (105lbs) because he's had a hard time getting up from lying down and saw great results in 2 weeks - not sure that it will be strong enough for what you need. Sending hugs.
Madelon, owned by DOC. DOC dx EPI 5/2015 = TLI < .4, B12 406; Folate >24. DOC taught me so much and together we battled and overcame EPI, food sensitivies, environmental allergies but we lost the cancer battle. DOC was dx with hemangiosarcoma 5/2022 and crossed the rainbow bridge July 24, 2022. He is and always will be the love of my life, my soulmate, my heart dog.

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jilbert57
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Re: Pain meds with EPI

Post by jilbert57 » 01 Apr 2021, 20:43

Hi Phil, Kiya did not have Epi but we used Galliprant and low dose Gabapentin for her arthritis. Gabapentin can cause some gut upset hence the low dose. Also, we had great luck with Adequan injections. You have a loading week then maintenance dose. They can be given at home in the scruff of the neck and we did not find gut issue with Adequan.

Jill
My name is Jill and we live on the Hood Canal in Washington State. We currently have 2 Jack russells, TJ is 8 and Sadie is 2.

Mickey and his pancreatitis brought me to Epi4dogs.com site in 2012 to help manage it.
He lived from 6/99 - 8/2014

Mickey, Jack Russell. Chronic Pancreatitis. Dianes enzymes, 1/8t 3x/day with meals.

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Shirl D.
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Re: Pain meds with EPI

Post by Shirl D. » 02 Apr 2021, 07:43

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear that Caesar is experiencing so much pain. I have an EPI sheltie who is almost 15. She has had some arthritis for a while which has affected her ability to go up and down stairs as well as making getting up and lying down difficult. We have tried different meds to relieve her discomfort and haven't had any negative side effects yet. She is currently on adequan (an injection once a month), gabapentin, meloxicam (AKA metacam), and CBD oil (ElleVet Mobility Oil). As I said, we have not had any side effects, but every dog is different. Pixie is also under 20 lbs. so her dose is significantly lower than Caesar would need, and I don't know if that would make a difference. Good luck to you and Caesar!

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Olesia711
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Location: North Carolina
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My name: olesia

Re: Pain meds with EPI

Post by Olesia711 » 02 Apr 2021, 10:36

we do gabapentin and Springtime Joint Health Formula powder.... for us, it took about a month before i saw any improvement from the Springtime product.... but interestingly enough.... once i saw improvement... 5 months later we continue to see even more improvement ... which is pretty darn good in a 14 year old dog :)
https://www.springtimeinc.com/product/j ... upplements
Olesia, was owned by Izzy, a 35lb Spanish Water Dog (SWD), Diagnosed at 1.5 years old - TLI results 1.. Izzy passed away on February 13, 2020 at 15 years old. She lived with EPI for 13+1/2 years. It was because of Izzy that Epi4Dogs was started... she was the inspiration. May her legacy of helping others with EPI continue for as long as needed.........

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