Possible 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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ollysmum
Member
Posts: 2
Country: United Kingdom - England
Pet name: OLLY

Possible EPI

Post by ollysmum » 02 Jul 2020, 16:00

Hi All
Just looking for advice/experiences.
Long post sorry...
So my 11 year old dog olly has had 4 bouts of serious pancreatits in 7 weeks.

He has no history of digestion issues as such just slightly loose stools occasionally we've always been told was his sensitive tummy.
Due to the repeated pancreatits our vet wanted to do a specialist ultrasound which only showed an inflamed pancreas they were looking for pancreatic cancer. They can't rule that out without a CT though.
Basically since the first bout he has been rapidly loosing weight and is constantly hungry very loud stomach- firm poo though.

Our vet said they ran another pancreatits test and the results were odd despite a visibly inflamed pancreas his level was 30 normal range upto 200. He said although its not the correct test for pancreatic function it does suggest the pancreas isn't working. As a last resort he has suggested enzymes to see if we can get some weight on him and I've ordered some.

He isn't insured and we've now spent £3000 on emergency treatment and test so can't keep doing more.

Has anyone has similar? Can EPI cause pancreatits to flare?

Thanks 😊

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jilbert57
Staff
Posts: 2088
Country: United States
State: Washington

Re: Possible EPI

Post by jilbert57 » 02 Jul 2020, 17:59

Mickey had pancreatitis turned chronic for 3 years. His cPli was never under 800. During this time his Tli was >50. Only when I implemented porcine enzymes with his food did his Tli come down to 25. Since it appears your pups cPli is in normal range indicating pancreatitis is not active, can you have the special test for EPI which is the Tli test? It is my understanding if you ultrasound and do not see a pancreas EPI is present.

https://epi4dogs.com/pancreatitis-to-epi/

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.

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Shirl D.
Staff
Posts: 86
Country: United States
State: New York

Re: Possible EPI

Post by Shirl D. » 02 Jul 2020, 21:56

Hi Ollie's Mom,
Jill is our resident expert on the pancreatitis front. I second her suggestion to have the cTLI test done if you can. It's a blood test, so it's not too terribly expensive or invasive. He will need to be fasted for 8-12 hours before the test.
Here's what little I know about pancreatitis and EPI. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to EPI. If the pancreas is inflamed, as Ollie's is, enzymes may help whether he is EPI or not, I think because the pancreas may not be producing enzymes as well as normal because of the inflammation/irritation.
I hope the enzymes help him when you get them!

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Olesia711
Founder & Research Director
Posts: 3857
Location: North Carolina
Country: United States
State: North Carolina
Pet name: Izzy
My name: olesia

Re: Possible EPI

Post by Olesia711 » 03 Jul 2020, 13:27

So sorry your dogs is going thru this, but yes, end stage chronic pancreatitis is EPI..... although not all dogs with pancreatitis ever go into EPI.... and some dogs that do segue into EPI do not show dramatic symptoms of pancreatitis.

SOOOOOOooooo as recommended above, i do think a TLI blood test is a good option.... and/or talk to your vet about trying a lesser amount of pancreatic enzymes.
Olesia, was owned by Izzy, a 35lb Spanish Water Dog (SWD), Diagnosed at 1.5 years old - TLI results 1.. Izzy passed away on February 13, 2020 at 15 years old. She lived with EPI for 13+1/2 years. It was because of Izzy that Epi4Dogs was started... she was the inspiration. May her legacy of helping others with EPI continue for as long as needed.........

ollysmum
Member
Posts: 2
Country: United Kingdom - England
Pet name: OLLY

Re: Possible EPI

Post by ollysmum » 04 Jul 2020, 07:24

Thank you all for taking the time to respond.

I have an update call with the vet on Wednesday so will discuss the tpi test with him.

I received the enzymes today so have just added them to his lunch. I'm new to this so have a few questions if thats OK?
The instructions say 2 capsules split evenly so I will put half a capsule in each of his 4 meals but do I need to let it sit? The instructions don't say. He's on wet food so I just mixed it in. Also will it be OK to mix with cold food from the fridge?

How long does it usually take to see improvement if any? Hes so hungry and skinny.

I'm really hoping he just needs a little digestion support whilst his pancreas settles down.

These are the enzymes recommended by the vet which I have https://www.animeddirect.co.uk/protexin ... of-60.html

Thanks 😊 z

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Olesia711
Founder & Research Director
Posts: 3857
Location: North Carolina
Country: United States
State: North Carolina
Pet name: Izzy
My name: olesia

Re: Possible EPI

Post by Olesia711 » 04 Jul 2020, 08:20

Hi Z
The ProEnzorb is an enzyme that is used for EPI pets. These are enteric coated pellets. Open the capsule as instructed, use half as directed by your vet by ordering this prescription (however when you talk to your vet Wednesday do ask if you should give 1/2 as instructed on the package or should you give a little less at this time) normally we say sprinkle on the food and serve immediately, HOWEVER, this product says to mix in the food and then serve immediately.... so i would follow these directions on the package. Hope this answers your questions.
Olesia, was owned by Izzy, a 35lb Spanish Water Dog (SWD), Diagnosed at 1.5 years old - TLI results 1.. Izzy passed away on February 13, 2020 at 15 years old. She lived with EPI for 13+1/2 years. It was because of Izzy that Epi4Dogs was started... she was the inspiration. May her legacy of helping others with EPI continue for as long as needed.........

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jilbert57
Staff
Posts: 2088
Country: United States
State: Washington

Re: Possible EPI

Post by jilbert57 » 04 Jul 2020, 09:15

Please let us know what the vet says.

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.

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