Looking for a Vet versed in EPI

[Amber]

Sorry if this topic has been covered . I'm having a heck of a time just finding my way on this website . My Amber just had bloodwork done and has shown some anemia but of the blood components that point to B12 deficiency . So I will increase the sups, of course but it also showed low blood sugar . She's been lethargic lately and has been demanding of food . No weight loss , in fact, she has always been overweight . She is also epileptic and those drugs increase appetite . OK, so I wasn't alerted to the low blood sugar because she always acts like I starve her but her lethargy prompted me to do the follow up bloodwork which was due anyway . My Vet shows no concern about the hypoglycaemia but I've started feeding smaller but more frequently in case this is a true finding . Different things go thru my mind such as insulinoma but now I read that low B12 can also cause hypoglycaemia . So, has anyone come across this ? and I would like to find another Vet more knowledgable . This one asked me if I was still giving the enzymes . Duh ...I live in the Niagara region of Ontario but would travel to a vet if I found a good one . Thanks and hello everyone

[Olesia711]

Hi Amber- -glad you were able to get on. .... but .... OMG!!! He asked if you were still giving enzymes? Yikes. Yep, i think i'd check around for a different vet.
The thing about vets is that it doesn't matter if they "initially" know much about EPI, but what you do want is a vet that gets rave reviews from others (local town people etc) that is known for really listening to the pet owner and willing to have conversations with the pet owner. The ones that are willing to learn if they don't have the latest knowledge about something.... AND/OR... the ones that do have EPI knowledge but are willing to learn more about recent EPI research findings...............

Regarding the lethargy....low blood sugar, anemia...... i do not mean to frighten you.... but based on what you are saying.... the very next time your pup pees... see if you can catch some in a white bowl or cup... IF the pee looks rusty brown..... you might want to bring your pup to the vet, any vet sooner rather than later.......the ONLY reason why i am mentioning this is that one "possibility" is IMHA- -but if the pee does not look rusty brown - - then just ignore what i am telling you. The only reason why i am mentioning this is because this is what happened to my gal and it started with lethargy... and then everything else. Does NOT mean that this is what is going on, i am just mentioning it just in case.......

The other thing that should be checked with the above is low Thyroid.... this too can trigger the above.......

And of course possible Diabetes.
However, please know that i do not know if/when or how Epilepsy can affect the blood sugar, etc.......... i am jsut mentioning some of the stuff that i am familiar with..........

[Judith]

Hi

In addition to what Olesia suggested, the other condition that sticks out is Addison's disease. Dogs ofter present with hypoglycemia and anemia along with various other symptoms that can come and go (lethargy, hind end weakness, upset tummy). What did her kidney values look like?

[Olesia711]

Thanks Judith ... i so appreciate your knowledge of Addison's... as we do see a fair amount of EPI dogs also battling Addisons... so your input is very helpful !

[Madelon]

Hi Cheryl!! I'm glad Olesia and Judith have chimed in. Here is a link to a list of vets that members have recommended - I'm geographically challenged so I have no idea if any are near you or not https://epi4dogs.com/recommended-vets/

[Amber]

• Thank you everyone . This Vet is supposed to be quite up on the latest and is considered holistic . She doesn't seem concerned tho .
  To answer : her urine is concentrated but more yellow than brown . If diabetes, I would have expected high thirst and weight loss . But I will follow up with a glucomèter . Her kidney values are good . It's the MCV and MCH that are high . Which meant nothing to me but reading up, I see that it is related to B12. B12 seems to control a lot . Complication are the anti epileptic drugs that can increase the liver values and cause anemia .

Amber is actually my dog's name but the site said to put in a user name. Didn't realize that meant me . LOL . I'm beginning to suspect that the B12 deficiency is the culprit but I will follow up on the red flagged items on her bloodwork . Aside from this, her stools have been perfect , finally after years of trying . If it helps anyone, fiber turned out to be the determining factor . Low fiber is a must for her . I appreciate the input from everyone because there's always something one doesn't think about . Dealing with Vets is a little like dealing with your family Dr . It takes a lot of visits for them to get to know you.Unfortunately , $$ is a factor for my vet visits . So many prior to EPI as she exhibited symptoms of pancreatitis and liver disease . Had they tested for B12, I might have avoided many heartaches . I'll check the vet list but if I remember - few in Canada .

[Olesia711]

Hi Cheryl... sorry i was calling you Amber..... you handled your profile set up correctly- -it can be anything you want.... i just assumed that Amber might be your name. My bad.

Good to hear that the urine is more concentrated yellow vs. rusty brown... huge relief!

Holistoc vets can bring a lot to the table... except when it comes to EPI specifically... too many of them do not give enzymes the priority they should in treating EPI..... but on the flip side.... many times they work wonders with so many other health concerns. I personally have moved multiple times, so often i have had to find a new vet. i try to seek one out that is not only a good traditional vet but one that also is open to some holistic techniques too.. I just think there is a place for both depending on the circumstances

To get a good understanding of MCV & MCH values.... might want to read about it here:
https://www.2ndchance.info/dxme-MCV.htm
https://www.2ndchance.info/dxme-MCH.htm
https://www.2ndchance.info/dxme-MCHC.htm

[Barb]

A warm welcome to you, Cheryl, and Amber.

You have already received excellent advice, but I wanted to welcome you. It is not easy dealing with concurrent conditions, but you sound like you are handling it very well, as do many of our members here.

Let us know how Amber is doing.

Barb

[Sparkle Tangerine]

I'm here in Ontario. I don't know how far you want to travel, but Montgomery's veterinarian is truly awesome. Her name is Sheri Sime and she's at the Gorham Animal Hospital (905) 895-4552. You wouldn't believe the odd creatures we've brought her way (we work with a tiny cat rescue) and she's been amazing.

[Olesia711]

I'm here in Ontario. I don't know how far you want to travel, but Montgomery's veterinarian is truly awesome. Her name is Sheri Sime and she's at the Gorham Animal Hospital (905) 895-4552. You wouldn't believe the odd creatures we've brought her way (we work with a tiny cat rescue) and she's been amazing.

Thank you for giving your vets name to Cheryl .... that was very kind and thoughtful of you!