Struggling with Vet

[PooganNash]

My dog was diagnosed in September of 2021. He has not gained any of his weight back. Currently we are feeding Ultimino. I asked my vet about changing food to assist with weight gain, since I believe my dog is under weight by the 10 pounds he lost before he was diagnosed. The new Hill's Biome food was prescribed, however, my dog is not tolerating this food. He is having more stomach noise, bad burps, smacking lips, drinking more water, and tends to vomit after I increase the amount of Biome vs the Ultimino. I called to talk to my vet today and was simple told to increase the amount of famotidine per feeding to 40mg. I believe that my dog should be able to eat his food without doubling the famotidine. My dog's body is telling me that the Biome is not the right food for him. After more discussion my vet agreed to provide the low fat version of the Hill's i/d food, however I do not l think he needs low fat. Before he was diagnosed with EPI he had a stool sample that had large amounts of unprocessed fat. I feel that now that he is diagnosed and on Viokase-V enzymes his body should be able to process the fat.
I am not sure if I need a new vet in order to better assist me with managing Poogan's EPI or if I am being unrealistic in my thinking that he should have gained weight back by now and that fat should be ok for him......
Any advise is greatly appreciated!

[jilbert57]

Hi Melinda,
Do you have the test results from Poogans Tli, folate, and B12 ?
It sounds like a case of SID/SIBO . Was Poogan prescribed an antibiotic for this when first diagnosed? We recommend a 45 day course of Tylan, twice a day. You could also try Slippery elm.
Does your pup have allergies hence the Ultamino?
Epi usually is a diet of grain free(try for little to no peas or lentils) low fiber (less than 4%) food.
Low fat is not needed unless fat restriction is in order.
Here are some links:
https://epi4dogs.com/epi-quick-guide-usa/
https://epi4dogs.com/sidsibo-in-brief/
https://epi4dogs.com/dog-food-options/

Jill

[Tuckaboo Pam]

Hi Melinda. Welcome to you and Poogan.

Jill, as usual, gave a ton of useful information. It sounds like SID to me, too.

I'm not sure why you need prescription food. Many dogs do well on Sport Dog Elite, herding dogs formula, buffalo & sweet potato. Or, the less pricey Taste of the Wild Pacific stream. Both availble on Amazon, Chewy, or their own website. You need grain free, no peas or white potatoes, and less than 4% fiber.

Please remain active on the forum. This is the best place I know, but FYI nobody in this group will suggest you switch your vet. That decision is up to you. My vet didn't know anything about EPI, and she gave her blessing for me to to find one who did. It can be tricky, and there is a lot of trial & error. Here is a list of vets that have been recommended by EPI dog owners.

https://epi4dogs.com/recommended-vets/

Stay in touch.

---Pam & Tucker

[Montgomery]

I was frustrated, too, when Montgomery was first diagnosed and we were trying to find him something to eat. To make a long story short, I ended up having a very blunt (not rude or angry, just blunt) conversation with her. It really made a difference, and we've had an easier time communicating ever since. I don't know if that helps. I've certainly been very frustrated (as everyone here knows. I'm a ranter, I'm afraid) since, but I've never felt like I was butting heads with a brick wall again. I hope this helps?

[PooganNash]

Hi Melinda,
Do you have the test results from Poogans Tli, folate, and B12 ?
It sounds like a case of SID/SIBO . Was Poogan prescribed an antibiotic for this when first diagnosed? We recommend a 45 day course of Tylan, twice a day. You could also try Slippery elm.
Does your pup have allergies hence the Ultamino?
Epi usually is a diet of grain free(try for little to no peas or lentils) low fiber (less than 4%) food.
Low fat is not needed unless fat restriction is in order.
Here are some links:
https://epi4dogs.com/epi-quick-guide-usa/
https://epi4dogs.com/sidsibo-in-brief/
https://epi4dogs.com/dog-food-options/

Jill

[PooganNash]

Hi Melinda,
Do you have the test results from Poogans Tli, folate, and B12 ?
It sounds like a case of SID/SIBO . Was Poogan prescribed an antibiotic for this when first diagnosed? We recommend a 45 day course of Tylan, twice a day. You could also try Slippery elm.
Does your pup have allergies hence the Ultamino?
Epi usually is a diet of grain free(try for little to no peas or lentils) low fiber (less than 4%) food.
Low fat is not needed unless fat restriction is in order.
Here are some links:
https://epi4dogs.com/epi-quick-guide-usa/
https://epi4dogs.com/sidsibo-in-brief/
https://epi4dogs.com/dog-food-options/

Jill

[PooganNash]

Thank you all so much for the great information and support. I have contacted the vet near me from the list and hope to set up an appointment soon!

Melinda and Poogan

[PooganNash]

Jill,
Poogan's last B12 results (12/28/21) 476 ng/L and Folate >24.0 ug/L TLI fasting (9/16/21) <1.0 ug/L No antibiotics have been prescribed ever.
I keep saying that I think he has SID, but my vet does not seem to hear my concern. I started to give Purina FortiFlora once a day, against my vets wishes, and this helped with the rumbles and provides more consistent bowel movements, but no weight gain. Will the SIDS slow weight gain until the antibiotics are provided?
Poogan started eating Ultimino prior to be diagnosed, since he does seem to have food sensitivities and allergies (I had him tested using a Ucari home kit). He is adjusting wonderfully to the Hills i/d food I am switching him to since Ultimino is sold out and I wanted to switch in hopes it will help his weight gain.
I did contact the vet from my area from the list provided and am working to set up a second opinion appointment and will maybe switch vets.

[Tuckaboo Pam]

Melinda, this may have already been said, but----

Poogan should be fed 150% of the amount that is recommended for what he SHOULD weigh.

If he weighs 50, but should weigh 80, and the bag says 80 pound dogs get 4 cups/day, you should feed him 6 enzymed cups every day.

ALL EPI dogs have SID. ---Pam

[PooganNash]

Pam,
Thank you so much! I have not been told to feed additional food! I will start immediately!!!