EPI Just Diagnosed

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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peggysioux5
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Posts: 4
Country: United States
State: California
Pet name: Bamer
My name: Peggy

EPI Just Diagnosed

Post by peggysioux5 » 27 Aug 2019, 14:44

We have a 3 year old border collie who has some of the symptoms of EPI and Vet has said that his numbers indicate that he has EPI. This vet does not seem to have a lot of EPI knowledge. Our border collie has lost weight and currently weighs 34 lbs (which is about 6 lbs less than what he should be) and has stayed at 34 lbs the last three weeks while we have been taking him to the vet trying to figure out what is going on. He does not have a voracious appetite and leaves food in his dish half the time. He has no signs of not feeling well. She has had us put him on prescription dog food, dewormed him with different dewormers, and added probiotics once a day. His poop has been soft, but not diarrhea, and larger amounts. Someone who is familiar with EPI (not a Vet), mentioned that it can harm a dog that doesn't have EPI to be treated with pancreas medication. Hoping to get some input from people who have been dealing with EPI.

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jilbert57
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Posts: 2088
Country: United States
State: Washington

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Post by jilbert57 » 27 Aug 2019, 15:29

Hi and welcome to the forum. Will you please post the test results from the cTli test the vet ran to confirm Epi? Also did he run a B12 test?
This will help us proceed.

Is there undigested food in the poop?
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.

peggysioux5
Member
Posts: 4
Country: United States
State: California
Pet name: Bamer
My name: Peggy

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Post by peggysioux5 » 27 Aug 2019, 15:38

The vet called us with the results and went over the results verbally but I did not write them down. I will post the results when we meet with the vet. There does not seem to be undigested food in poop. He also has increased thirst and urination recently. We mentioned those symptoms to vet as well (I was thinking possible diabetes, but don't think she tested for that). He just doesn't have the voracious appetite that goes along with EPI or diabetes for that matter which makes me wonder if something else is going on.) Or does the appetite increase as EPI worsens?

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

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Post by Jean » 27 Aug 2019, 16:26

welcome from me in UK

What has the vet gien to you for EPI in the way of enzymes

we really need the results
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

peggysioux5
Member
Posts: 4
Country: United States
State: California
Pet name: Bamer
My name: Peggy

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Post by peggysioux5 » 28 Aug 2019, 11:09

Spoke with the Vet again and was advised that TLI reading was 0.1 and B12 was 197. She has recommended Pancrezyme or Bio Case and B12 shots. She has told us she has dealt with dogs with EPI very little but she is consulting with a Vet with EPI experience. What surprised me was the specialist advised us not to soak the Pancrezyme or Bio Case prior to feeding as the soaking causes gum issues. Would appreciate feed back on the soaking and which of the enzymes replacement is best. Thank you for your help.

Peggy Sioux

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jilbert57
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Posts: 2088
Country: United States
State: Washington

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Post by jilbert57 » 28 Aug 2019, 12:16

If you haven't ordered enzymes I would recommend Dianes enzymes. They are great plus very cost saving.

https://enzymediane.com/
You can call her and she is very helpful.

The B12 is very low should be 600 or higher. Shots for sure.

Every dog is different. Usually incubating the enzymes in room temp water discourages mouth sores. Also wiping face with damp cloth helps. Some owners do not incubate enzymes but I do believe they wet the food and mix.
Some enzymes like Creon are enteric coated and do not use incubation.

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

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Post by Jean » 28 Aug 2019, 12:54

ok well that is EPI and the b12 result is dire, it needs to be 600 ish for an EPI dog

so, what are you feeding and how much weight has been lost

this is what one of the Pncreazyme companies say about incubation

https://entirelypetspharmacy.com/pabyvi.html

I will finish this later
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

Barb
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Country: United States
State: New Jersey

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Post by Barb » 28 Aug 2019, 13:45

Hello and welcome to the Forum. Lack of appetite often occurs when the B12 is low. In fact, our Kolby always started to leave food in the bowl when his B12 slipped and your pup's is quite low. The good news is that you can get his levels up quite easily with injections and Wonderlabs pills with Intrinsic factor.

I also recommend Enzyme Diane's enzymes. We have been using them for many years. She is wonderful to work with and provides an excellent product. And she will save you lots of money.

Especially at this beginning stage of treatment, it is very helpful to keep a daily log/journal of everything you give your pup and the amounts .....then the resulting poos. Seeing it in writing gives you so much information about what is working and what is not. It saved our sanity.

Try not to feel too overwhelmed. The beginning is the hardest stage. It will get easier as you start to get the Food, Enzymes, B12, and Antibiotics if needed in balance. Eventually, treatment will become very manageable. But ask any questions you have. We have all been where you are.

Barb

peggysioux5
Member
Posts: 4
Country: United States
State: California
Pet name: Bamer
My name: Peggy

Re: EPI Just Diagnosed

Post by peggysioux5 » 29 Aug 2019, 10:04

Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I greatly appreciate any help. I spoke with Diane yesterday and she was very helpful as well and have ordered the enzyme replacement and appointment scheduled for Friday for a B12 shot. Hopefully my baby will be back to normal soon!!

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