New Diagnosis

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

Re: New Diagnosis

Post by Barb » 17 Nov 2020, 15:22

Hi Mel and welcome! You have received excellent advice already, so I will just second Madelon's suggestion that you keep a log/journal to record everything you give your pup each day and the amounts, then the resulting poos. This gives you great information and helps you to see what is working ....or not.

My vet, too, only had one other case when Kolby was diagnosed. But he was willing to learn and read everything I gave him. We just lost Kolby in January after 11 years, 10 of them with EPI. He brought us joy and laughter every day. So hang in there. It is so worth it.

Barb

MelC
Member
Posts: 22
Country: United Kingdom - England
Pet name: Meg
My name: Mel

Re: New Diagnosis

Post by MelC » 17 Nov 2020, 17:33

Yes thank you she is definitely approachable and appears to really care about Meg so hopefully with your help she will support me in getting Meg as well as possible,

thanks to all again so glad I joined.

Mel

User avatar
Olesia711
Founder & Research Director
Posts: 3858
Location: North Carolina
Country: United States
State: North Carolina
Pet name: Izzy
My name: olesia

Re: New Diagnosis

Post by Olesia711 » 18 Nov 2020, 18:56

Hi Mel,

Sounds like you like your vet :).... so don't worry if she hasn't had many EPI cases.... if she is willing to work WITH you.... and is excited about this case... then she is a "keeper" :)

Please keep us posted and of course, if you have any questions, just ask... and ALWAYS share with your vet whatever we suggest to you.
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.........

User avatar
Madelon
Staff
Posts: 1317
Location: Nashville, TN
Country: United States
State: Tennessee
Pet name: Doc

Re: New Diagnosis

Post by Madelon » 19 Nov 2020, 14:22

Hi Mel. With regards to vets we always say you don't necessarily need a vet that has experience or knowledge of EPI but one that you trust and is willing to learn with you and be your partner in caring for your pet. My vet knew of the symptoms of EPI (luckily because of that Doc was diagnosed quickly) but she had never treated an EPI dog before but she's been our vet for a long time and I knew she would be willing to learn with me and try things. I printed out research and suggestions from this website and took it in to her for her to read. Whenever I suggest something and explain the reason/research behind it she's always open to trying.

The most important thing is that you said your vet seems to really care about Meg - that's a keeper :)
Madelon, owned by DOC. DOC dx EPI 5/2015 = TLI < .4, B12 406; Folate >24. DOC taught me so much and together we battled and overcame EPI, food sensitivies, environmental allergies but we lost the cancer battle. DOC was dx with hemangiosarcoma 5/2022 and crossed the rainbow bridge July 24, 2022. He is and always will be the love of my life, my soulmate, my heart dog.

User avatar
Patsy
Member
Posts: 266
Country: United Kingdom - England

Re: New Diagnosis

Post by Patsy » 30 Dec 2020, 08:57

Hi Mel, I am in the Uk, and am a ‘sleeper’ on here, my dog had Epi for eight years a while back, and once you have a dog or cat with this, you stay involved.
I just wanted to mention that in the Uk you will find that most vets still won’t use it for domestic pets. We have it registered for agricultural use, though you can sign a disclaimer with your vet. Personally I found that a two week course of oxytetracycline worked. It mustn’t be longer because of possible side effects. I knew when Marti needed a trip to the vet because her stomach would rumble and she would let off the most foul farts!
Anything you need to question, do post. We have experienced everything between us.
Xx
Springer spaniel Marti had Epi, PLE , MMM just to confuse me. She lived till 12yrs, chubby and happy despite eight years of epi.
Capsule enzymes suited her best. B12 supplements made her into a new dog!
After a cocker with PLN kidney disease, I now have two healthy rescues, a lively, suicidal , small ginger terrier, adopted with pneumonia, and gum disease needing nearly all his teeth out, and a fluffy grey toy poodle/terrier from Greece.

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

Re: New Diagnosis

Post by jilbert57 » 30 Dec 2020, 20:06

Hi Mel, you have a lot of great advice to read over. Welcome to the group.

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.

User avatar
Jean
Forum Director
Posts: 1707
Location: South Liverpool
Country: United Kingdom - England
Pet name: Kara, lost 10th May 2019
My name: Jean

Re: New Diagnosis

Post by Jean » 31 Dec 2020, 12:33

Hi

firstly, I am here at the end of the phone if you want to talk, you have my number

Oxytetracycline is the preferred antibiotic over here, but its difficult as you have to give on an empty stomach ,1 hour before food. or two hours after, so it mght not be user friendly , we used Tylan for 8 years

it is not licensed in UK for companion animals, so you have to sign a disclaimer , so it is available via your vet

as for Metro it can have neurological side effects so my vets would never prescribe for more than 5 days, I wouldnt give it for that reason only

I had many bumps with Kara, but we worked through them

you know where we are


Jean
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

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 378 guests