Has my Dog got EPI?
Posted: 20 May 2020, 07:11
Hi there, I'm Ray from Wales, UK and I'm on this journey for my companion Lenus. He's a rescue Lurcher who suffered horrific abuse by his previous owner (unknown) and believe his life should be the one he deserves, a good, healthy and lengthy one.
His recent history: He came to us in late January 2019 via a rescue centre acting as an agent for a Veterinary Hospital. He had been treated in the Hospital after being found in woodland in a near death condition. Gunshot wounds and a massive cut to the back of his neck. The Vets at the Hospital worked hard to save him and rebuild his jaw, skull and repair the heavily infected neck cut. They also removed most of the shotgun pellets from his face and head. Their skill and devotion coupled with his inner strength got him through physically. Mentally he's getting there at his pace.
The EPI concern: He was on a diet of (vet recommended) Chappie for sensitive stomach, wet food and kibble. I was concerned with his poo from the outset, it being yellow and very soft. A few months earlier we had lost Piper, another Lurcher to inoperable Tumours that had entwined her Pancreas, Spleen and Liver. Her poo had been the same colour prior to her death so as you can imagine, warning bells screaming out. We took Lenus to our local Vet in his first week with us. His poo was tested for nasties but nothing showed up. We gave him the expensive, Vet recommended food and drugs for a week or two and it seemed to ease the condition. Not perfect but better colouring at least. Thinking it was over we were told to continue as before with Chappie and kibble mixed. Been off and on for more than a year now with not much improvement despite changes in diet and umpteen visits to the vet. I'm pretty sure they think I've got some chronic obsession with poo.
Finally: By chance I stumbled via google to the condition EPI and this wonderful resource, thanks for having us. He is currently on Royal Canin sensitive kibble with the addition of a probiotic powder containing Slippery Elm. His poos are brown, not yellow but still softish. Been on this just over a week with another week's worth of the kibble to go. Next week we are going to try him on Workinghprs duck and potato. Found the link to this Company on here where the Company owner had given samples for EPI Dog owners to try. Seems good from the reviews so far.
We have also bought Dr Mercolas complete probiotics for Dogs and delivered yesterday, Panzym powder. Lenus hasn't been tested for EPI due to the difficult times we're in at present. Did ask the Vet (by telephone) last week but he told us to try him, yet again on the Royal Canin, which sort of half works.
Another thought entered my head (eventually) that another cause of his lack of digestion could be an intolerance to rice, it's present in Vet Chappie and most kibble? So he's off anything containing rice until we find otherwise. It is only the last month or so that he appears to be losing weight. This was pointed out by another dog walker who knows him from his time with us. Can't weigh him because the Vets are closed so it's by looks alone and with him being here constantly, we don't really know. Familiarity breeds ignorance.
For the immediate future we will try him on grain and rice free Potato with duck and Panzym. Update as and when available.
Apologies for the lengthy intro but it is a major concern for us. If nothing else it'll help pass the time if you're in lockdown
Many thanks for your time and for being here, Lenus and servants
His recent history: He came to us in late January 2019 via a rescue centre acting as an agent for a Veterinary Hospital. He had been treated in the Hospital after being found in woodland in a near death condition. Gunshot wounds and a massive cut to the back of his neck. The Vets at the Hospital worked hard to save him and rebuild his jaw, skull and repair the heavily infected neck cut. They also removed most of the shotgun pellets from his face and head. Their skill and devotion coupled with his inner strength got him through physically. Mentally he's getting there at his pace.
The EPI concern: He was on a diet of (vet recommended) Chappie for sensitive stomach, wet food and kibble. I was concerned with his poo from the outset, it being yellow and very soft. A few months earlier we had lost Piper, another Lurcher to inoperable Tumours that had entwined her Pancreas, Spleen and Liver. Her poo had been the same colour prior to her death so as you can imagine, warning bells screaming out. We took Lenus to our local Vet in his first week with us. His poo was tested for nasties but nothing showed up. We gave him the expensive, Vet recommended food and drugs for a week or two and it seemed to ease the condition. Not perfect but better colouring at least. Thinking it was over we were told to continue as before with Chappie and kibble mixed. Been off and on for more than a year now with not much improvement despite changes in diet and umpteen visits to the vet. I'm pretty sure they think I've got some chronic obsession with poo.
Finally: By chance I stumbled via google to the condition EPI and this wonderful resource, thanks for having us. He is currently on Royal Canin sensitive kibble with the addition of a probiotic powder containing Slippery Elm. His poos are brown, not yellow but still softish. Been on this just over a week with another week's worth of the kibble to go. Next week we are going to try him on Workinghprs duck and potato. Found the link to this Company on here where the Company owner had given samples for EPI Dog owners to try. Seems good from the reviews so far.
We have also bought Dr Mercolas complete probiotics for Dogs and delivered yesterday, Panzym powder. Lenus hasn't been tested for EPI due to the difficult times we're in at present. Did ask the Vet (by telephone) last week but he told us to try him, yet again on the Royal Canin, which sort of half works.
Another thought entered my head (eventually) that another cause of his lack of digestion could be an intolerance to rice, it's present in Vet Chappie and most kibble? So he's off anything containing rice until we find otherwise. It is only the last month or so that he appears to be losing weight. This was pointed out by another dog walker who knows him from his time with us. Can't weigh him because the Vets are closed so it's by looks alone and with him being here constantly, we don't really know. Familiarity breeds ignorance.
For the immediate future we will try him on grain and rice free Potato with duck and Panzym. Update as and when available.
Apologies for the lengthy intro but it is a major concern for us. If nothing else it'll help pass the time if you're in lockdown
Many thanks for your time and for being here, Lenus and servants