Nova and me new to EPI and this forum

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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jilbert57
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Posts: 2088
Country: United States
State: Washington

Re: Nova and me new to EPI and this forum

Post by jilbert57 » 18 May 2019, 09:30

Good morning Juanita. One reason a grain free diet is usually encouraged long term is that the grains in the food can interfere with the enzymes and their activity to do their work on the food.

Chicken is not bad for EPI pups but it does seem sometimes if an issue cannot be resolved the culprit can turn out to be the chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, etc. If your dog is good with it use it. One of those things you keep in the back of your mind.

Usually extras like treats(if food they too need enzymes), oil, etc are put off until the pup is stable.

Keep it simple to begin with till pup is good then add in an extra one at a time.

Keep up the good work.
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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Riley's Mom
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Country: United States
State: Virginia

Re: Nova and me new to EPI and this forum

Post by Riley's Mom » 18 May 2019, 17:22

Yep, Jill is right about the chicken. Some but not all EPI dogs do not tolerate chicken in any form. But many do, for example my girl is fine with chicken.
I would wait to add salmon oil or coconut oil for now. They both can be good things, but until things are stable, meaning good poops for a month or so, I would wait. Simple is best at the start. That way if something doesn't work well, you can identify it easily since there are few options.....Once things calm, you can try one of them and see how she does.
As far as the fat goes, if your pup has no other concerns, then fat does not need to be restricted. But some EPI dogs do better with a tad less fat. Are you starting to see a theme? Each EPI dog is a little different, and while we know some things work for all of them (enzymes with all food for example), there are some differences between dogs. This is when a log or a journal comes in handy. You can track what is working and what is not more easily that way.
Keep asking questions, and YES spread the word, one of our greatest missions is to educate vets, owners, breeders, shelters and rescues and everyone else about EPI and how manageable it is. Glad you found us!
Elisabeth

Riley is a 10 year old Labradoodle. She was diagnosed with EPI in 2014.
She currently eats Taste of the Wild, I cup in the morning, 2 cups in the evening, each meal with 1 Wonderlabs B12 sprinkled over her dinner. Enzymes are EnzymeDiane, 1 tsp per cup of food, mixed in home made bone broth. No other supplements or meds at this time.
Riley currently weighs about 44 pounds, which is pretty heavy for her.

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Madelon
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Location: Nashville, TN
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State: Tennessee
Pet name: Doc

Re: Nova and me new to EPI and this forum

Post by Madelon » 22 May 2019, 22:39

Hi. Sounds like you are off to a good start. Jill explained it perfectly about why we recommend grain free with 4% fiber or less. As for salmon or coconut oil - we recommend waiting to add these things until your dog is stable for a few months and then only add one at a time and only half the dose to start with.
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.

helendam
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Posts: 4
Country: United Kingdom - England
State: Nevada
Pet name: mile

Re: Nova and me new to EPI and this forum

Post by helendam » 12 Apr 2023, 00:44

Have a great weekend everyone!

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

Re: Nova and me new to EPI and this forum

Post by Jean » 12 Apr 2023, 03:20

hello again

let us know how you are doing now. the last post was a long while ago
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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