Hair loss in a dog 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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Jean
Forum Director
Posts: 1707
Location: South Liverpool
Country: United Kingdom - England
Pet name: Kara, lost 10th May 2019
My name: Jean

Re: Hair loss in a dog with EPI

Post by Jean » 02 Sep 2019, 04:43

OK now that could be an inbalance

firstly I would get the vet to take a scraping to see if there is anything going on,

and let us know
My name is Jean we live in Liverpool in Uk

I am the Forum Director which I am very proud of

My Kara born 21 July 2009 diagnosed with EPI by cTLI test August 2010 TLI = <1...folate 14 Cobalamin 408, shot down to 94, b12 injections every other day

Lowest weight 39 pounds

We used Panzym enzymes, Tylan and Chemeyes b12 capsules

Sadly, on 10th May 2019, we lost her to DM


Jeanx

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Patsy
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Posts: 266
Country: United Kingdom - England

Re: Hair loss in a dog with EPI

Post by Patsy » 02 Sep 2019, 07:05

Before we get too many threads crossed, Normal dog hair growth is like this.
Most dogs have two moults , autumn and spring.
So-called non moulting dogs lose hair all year. Often it stays tangled in curls.
A dog hair cycle takes six months of slow growth, so patience is needed.
A newly diagnosed dog is so malnourished , and suffering from any sort of autoimmune condition, that it’s hair will suffer. Clashing now with the autumn moult is a double whammy.
Skin conditions are another matter.
Springer spaniel Marti had Epi, PLE , MMM just to confuse me. She lived till 12yrs, chubby and happy despite eight years of epi.
Capsule enzymes suited her best. B12 supplements made her into a new dog!
After a cocker with PLN kidney disease, I now have two healthy rescues, a lively, suicidal , small ginger terrier, adopted with pneumonia, and gum disease needing nearly all his teeth out, and a fluffy grey toy poodle/terrier from Greece.

Kristin
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Posts: 1
Location: Marshfield,
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Pet name: Layla
My name: Kristin

Re: Hair loss in a dog with EPI

Post by Kristin » 03 Sep 2019, 14:59

So glad to read I am not alone in this. My house looks like I run a boarding kennel for 50 dogs! I started the enzyme treatment on 8/13/19 and Layla (5 yr. old GSD) is already looking and feeling so much better, but OMG the shedding is unbelievable! looking forward to that slowing down and seeing some healthy fur grow back!

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Madelon
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Posts: 1317
Location: Nashville, TN
Country: United States
State: Tennessee
Pet name: Doc

Re: Hair loss in a dog with EPI

Post by Madelon » 03 Sep 2019, 20:59

Hi Jessica. Yes as explained above, a lot of owners report heavy shedding when first starting the EPI protocol - they are shedding the old malnourished hair and new nourished hair replaces it. I have a constant running of black fur balls down my hallway from my GSD - LOL LOL
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.

willy66
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Country: United Kingdom - Northern Ireland
State: Hawaii
Pet name: kisses
My name: zap

Re: Hair loss in a dog with EPI

Post by willy66 » 15 Sep 2023, 09:07

awesome wrote: 02 Oct 2018, 11:57 Hey Folks,
I am new to the EPI4DOGS forum. I rescued a 3-1/2 shetland sheepdog in April. Shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with EPI. Started her on the enzymes and B-12 injections. The first enzyme we tried didn't work so my vet switched her to another one. It seems to be working because she gained almost 3 lbs. the first month she was on the new enzyme. But now she has suddenly started losing her fur. I took her back to the vet last Friday and her labs were normal. I bought her lots of drugs. Has anyone had a dog with EPI and experienced sudden fur loss? Any words of wisdom for me? thanks,
Susan, mom of "Awesome" my sheltie.
Welcome to the EPI4DOGS forum! It's great to have you here, though I'm sorry to hear about Awesome's struggles with EPI. You're doing an amazing job taking care of her.

It's wonderful to hear that the new enzyme seems to be helping with her weight gain, but I understand your concern about the sudden fur loss. Sometimes, it can take a little time for things to stabilize with EPI management. It's good that her recent lab results came back normal; that's a positive sign.

I haven't personally experienced this with my dog, but I've seen similar concerns addressed in the past on this forum. Sometimes, dietary adjustments or changes in enzyme dosage may be necessary to address fur loss. It might also be worth considering environmental factors or allergies.

I'm sure some experienced EPI pet parents here will chime in with their insights and advice. In the meantime, keep monitoring Awesome closely, and don't hesitate to reach out to your vet for further guidance. You're not alone on this journey, and the EPI4DOGS community is here to support you.

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