Layman's observations of 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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ericjohnson
Member
Posts: 11
Country: United States
State: Alabama

Layman's observations of EPI

Post by ericjohnson » 04 Nov 2019, 09:44

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.

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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: Layman's observations of EPI

Post by Jean » 04 Nov 2019, 11:13

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
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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jilbert57
Staff
Posts: 2092
Country: United States
State: Washington

Re: Layman's observations of EPI

Post by jilbert57 » 04 Nov 2019, 12:26

Good morning Eric,
Thank you for fostering. Has he been checked for diabetes?

Jill
My name is Jill and we live on the Hood Canal in Washington State. We currently have 2 Jack russells, TJ is 8 and Sadie is 2.

Mickey and his pancreatitis brought me to Epi4dogs.com site in 2012 to help manage it.
He lived from 6/99 - 8/2014

Mickey, Jack Russell. Chronic Pancreatitis. Dianes enzymes, 1/8t 3x/day with meals.

Barb
Staff
Posts: 918
Country: United States
State: New Jersey

Re: Layman's observations of EPI

Post by Barb » 05 Nov 2019, 19:49

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

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