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EPI Just Diagnosed

Posted: 27 Aug 2019, 14:44
by peggysioux5
We have a 3 year old border collie who has some of the symptoms of EPI and Vet has said that his numbers indicate that he has EPI. This vet does not seem to have a lot of EPI knowledge. Our border collie has lost weight and currently weighs 34 lbs (which is about 6 lbs less than what he should be) and has stayed at 34 lbs the last three weeks while we have been taking him to the vet trying to figure out what is going on. He does not have a voracious appetite and leaves food in his dish half the time. He has no signs of not feeling well. She has had us put him on prescription dog food, dewormed him with different dewormers, and added probiotics once a day. His poop has been soft, but not diarrhea, and larger amounts. Someone who is familiar with EPI (not a Vet), mentioned that it can harm a dog that doesn't have EPI to be treated with pancreas medication. Hoping to get some input from people who have been dealing with EPI.

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Posted: 27 Aug 2019, 15:29
by jilbert57
Hi and welcome to the forum. Will you please post the test results from the cTli test the vet ran to confirm Epi? Also did he run a B12 test?
This will help us proceed.

Is there undigested food in the poop?

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Posted: 27 Aug 2019, 15:38
by peggysioux5
The vet called us with the results and went over the results verbally but I did not write them down. I will post the results when we meet with the vet. There does not seem to be undigested food in poop. He also has increased thirst and urination recently. We mentioned those symptoms to vet as well (I was thinking possible diabetes, but don't think she tested for that). He just doesn't have the voracious appetite that goes along with EPI or diabetes for that matter which makes me wonder if something else is going on.) Or does the appetite increase as EPI worsens?

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Posted: 27 Aug 2019, 16:26
by Jean
welcome from me in UK

What has the vet gien to you for EPI in the way of enzymes

we really need the results

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Posted: 28 Aug 2019, 11:09
by peggysioux5
Spoke with the Vet again and was advised that TLI reading was 0.1 and B12 was 197. She has recommended Pancrezyme or Bio Case and B12 shots. She has told us she has dealt with dogs with EPI very little but she is consulting with a Vet with EPI experience. What surprised me was the specialist advised us not to soak the Pancrezyme or Bio Case prior to feeding as the soaking causes gum issues. Would appreciate feed back on the soaking and which of the enzymes replacement is best. Thank you for your help.

Peggy Sioux

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Posted: 28 Aug 2019, 12:16
by jilbert57
If you haven't ordered enzymes I would recommend Dianes enzymes. They are great plus very cost saving.

https://enzymediane.com/
You can call her and she is very helpful.

The B12 is very low should be 600 or higher. Shots for sure.

Every dog is different. Usually incubating the enzymes in room temp water discourages mouth sores. Also wiping face with damp cloth helps. Some owners do not incubate enzymes but I do believe they wet the food and mix.
Some enzymes like Creon are enteric coated and do not use incubation.

Jill

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Posted: 28 Aug 2019, 12:54
by Jean
ok well that is EPI and the b12 result is dire, it needs to be 600 ish for an EPI dog

so, what are you feeding and how much weight has been lost

this is what one of the Pncreazyme companies say about incubation

https://entirelypetspharmacy.com/pabyvi.html

I will finish this later

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Posted: 28 Aug 2019, 13:45
by Barb
Hello and welcome to the Forum. Lack of appetite often occurs when the B12 is low. In fact, our Kolby always started to leave food in the bowl when his B12 slipped and your pup's is quite low. The good news is that you can get his levels up quite easily with injections and Wonderlabs pills with Intrinsic factor.

I also recommend Enzyme Diane's enzymes. We have been using them for many years. She is wonderful to work with and provides an excellent product. And she will save you lots of money.

Especially at this beginning stage of treatment, it is very helpful to keep a daily log/journal of everything you give your pup and the amounts .....then the resulting poos. Seeing it in writing gives you so much information about what is working and what is not. It saved our sanity.

Try not to feel too overwhelmed. The beginning is the hardest stage. It will get easier as you start to get the Food, Enzymes, B12, and Antibiotics if needed in balance. Eventually, treatment will become very manageable. But ask any questions you have. We have all been where you are.

Barb

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Posted: 29 Aug 2019, 10:04
by peggysioux5
Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I greatly appreciate any help. I spoke with Diane yesterday and she was very helpful as well and have ordered the enzyme replacement and appointment scheduled for Friday for a B12 shot. Hopefully my baby will be back to normal soon!!