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Layman's observations of EPI

Posted: 04 Nov 2019, 09:44
by ericjohnson
I have one dog with EPI and it's been well managed for about 7 years. She just recently earned an AKC Senior Hunter award at age 9 so we are proud and are familiar with EPI treatment.

Last Friday we took in a rescue dog for foster care until a permanent home can be found. He's quite thin and I'm feeding 2.5 cups of food twice a day. That's about 3 cups more than the std fare. This is short term but he's not gained an ounce. In the vet's office there is a chart showing the 5 stages of weight in a dog from 5 which is really fat to a 1 which is downright skinny. He's a 1.

He has a really excessive thirst. I'll put down a quart pan of water and he drinks it . . . 3-4 times a day. Even the water doesn't seem to bloat him. I have an appointment for him tomorrow. Is the excessive thirst as well as his scrawniness possible signs of EPI. I've not been able to get a stool sample yet because with 5 dogs and one already with EPI, I can't tell them apart.

Re: Layman's observations of EPI

Posted: 04 Nov 2019, 11:13
by Jean
Hi Eric

I dont consider you a layman with all those years of EPI under your belt

you are an angel taking another dog into your home

its perfectly possible he has EPI, It might be worth testing for diabetes consiering the excessive thirst

can you see a very different type of poo anywhere, I know its hard with several dogs

talk to the vet about a cTLI EPI test which is an 8-12 hour food fasted test, its the only one which will tell you if EPI is definite

and well done with the award

let us know

Jeanx

Re: Layman's observations of EPI

Posted: 04 Nov 2019, 12:26
by jilbert57
Good morning Eric,
Thank you for fostering. Has he been checked for diabetes?

Jill

Re: Layman's observations of EPI

Posted: 05 Nov 2019, 19:49
by Barb
Hello, Eric,

He is so fortunate to be with you. I was going to suggest a test for diabetes also. Let us know what you find out.

Barb