Advice needed

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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Shel23
Member
Posts: 3
Country: United States
State: Michigan
Pet name: Ernie

Advice needed

Post by Shel23 » 26 Aug 2021, 17:58

My sweet boy Ernie was diagnosed with EPI on June 24, 2021. He immediately started on weekly B12 injections, Viokase Enzymes and Tylan powder (2x per day). Mid July, I switched him to Enzyme Diane 6X and also began mixing the food he was on (prior to diagnosis), Purina HA Vegetarian formula, with Natural Balance LID Salmon & Sweet Potato. He's been doing great-back to being full of energy, solid stool and gained back 12 of the pounds he lost. I was so excited! Until last week...
I noticed that Ernie began sleeping more, but I assumed it's because it has been ridiculously hot & humid here in Michigan. But then, I also noticed, he also appears to be straining to poop...and he doesn't like to complete the job. Sometimes coming in the house, just to realize he isn't finished. So, I'm thinking maybe constipated? But the volume of his poo has also increased-nearly double than what he has been doing in recent weeeks. But then so many more factors...I realized that early this week, was also the start of his meals with no more of the Vegetarian food mixed in. He also went for 3 weeks with no B12 injections as I was waiting for instruction from my vet after the original prescribed 6wk schedule was completed. The vet sent home more B12 & needles, and the shots resumed 3 days ago.
With all that said, I'm not sure what or where to begin as to what the problem could be? Should I wait until next week, a couple days after his 2nd B12 shot, to see if anything changes? Should I slowly increase the fiber in his food to help with apparent constipation? Do I need to decrease the amount of enzymes I'm using (1tsp/1 cup of food, 4x a day)? I am nervous about doing too much at once with his already fragile system. Any advice would be much appreciated!

Tuckaboo Pam
Member
Posts: 1345
Country: United States
State: Florida
Pet name: Tucker
My name: Pam H.

Re: Advice needed

Post by Tuckaboo Pam » 26 Aug 2021, 20:37

My thought is, it could be the fiber. I would buy some canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie mix), and add about a tablespoon to his meal before you mix it up. It does sound like there are a few things going on at once, but it's no fun for him to be constipated, so I'd deal with that.

Write down what you do & then record the result!

---Pam
Tucker was a shepherd/lab mix--- TLI 1.3, Folate 9.7, Cobalamin 666, Lipase 38. Took Diane's Enzymes 4 teaspoons/day, Wonderlabs B12 one capsule per day, and Tylan 1/16 teaspoon/ morning (to hold SID at bay). Taste of the Wild High Prairie, 1 1/2 cups/day, with a total of 4 cups of Fresh Pet. Stopped eating everything in sight, and went from 60 to 85 pounds! Tucker was my boyfriend, and my husband was OK with that. Tucker succumbed to hemangiosarcoma, but we cherished every day we had with that wonderful, beautiful boy. I will always, always miss my sweet big boy.

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