EPI and Cholesterol

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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Oswulf
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Country: Thailand

EPI and Cholesterol

Post by Oswulf » 11 Feb 2020, 07:29

Is there any known association between EPI and high cholesterol levels?

Rye, a Thai street dog, has been stable for a number of years now with Enzyme DIane. She weights 19 kg (up from 13 kg at her worse, before diagnosis) and is slightly overweight (which is deliberate). Her coprophagia (poop eating) has recently restarted, and her cholesterol level is now 485 mg/dL (normal range 110-320).

Her diet is pretty standard. High quality kibble. Vitamin B12 injections every 3 weeks.

Everything else in her blood tests was in normal range

I know I'm clutching at straws here, but really don't know what's happening. Any incites greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

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Jean
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Pet name: Kara, lost 10th May 2019
My name: Jean

Re: EPI and Cholesterol

Post by Jean » 11 Feb 2020, 08:00

i am sorry I dont have feed back on this but will ask
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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jilbert57
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Re: EPI and Cholesterol

Post by jilbert57 » 11 Feb 2020, 08:27

Good morning, here is an excerpt from Affinity Petcare:
"High cholesterol levels are less frequent in dogs than in human beings. Hyperlipidemia can be considered to be the equivalent of high cholesterol for dogs. Hyperlipidemia often derives from other underlying illnesses like diabetes, hypothyroidism, pancreatitis, liver diseases, obesity and diets that are high in fats."

There are breeds prone to hyperlipidemia: schnauzers, shetland sheepdogs and collies.

My Jack russell had pancreatitis and high cholesterol. I can find some relationship between low cholesterol and maldigestion and PLE.

Sometimes as the dogs age we need to increase enzyme by a pinch. Have you noticed undigested food in the poop?


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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Olesia711
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Re: EPI and Cholesterol

Post by Olesia711 » 11 Feb 2020, 09:59

Hi..... and thank you for asking the question.

Dog with EPI all have (to some degree) SID (small intestinal dysbiosis) whether or not we see the symptoms or not. If no symptoms are seen, no need to treat.
ALSO.... Dogs with EPI have an issue with their secondary bile acids.
And this may affect Cholesterol levels as "Cholesterol that is ingested or manufactured in the body is eliminated primarily by conversion to bile acids in the liver and excretion into the intestine with bile".

Research by Dr Suchodolski/Texas A&M Gastro Lab (see this page for the FULL research: https://epi4dogs.com/sid-sibo-microbiome-research/ titled "Dogs with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency have Dysbiosis and Abnormal Fecal Lactate and Bile Acid Concentrations") shows that EPI dogs have an issue with their bile acids (secondary bile acids) "Dogs with EPI had a higher Dysbiosis Index (median [min-max]: +3.08 [−7.29 to +7.62]) than healthy control dogs (−3.81 [−7.57 to +3.32]; P = 0.0232). Total fecal lactate concentrations were increased in dogs with EPI (3.44 mM [0.71–158.30 mM]) compared to healthy control dogs (1.14 mM [0.54–6.64 mM]; P = 0.0037). The proportion of secondary bile acid was lower in dogs with EPI (70% [6–96%]) compared to healthy control dogs (93% [12–97%]; P = 0.0431). There was no correlation between any measurements and duration of enzyme therapy".

Years ago, EPI dogs were given cholesterol (bile acid) sequestrants to help with the bile acids..... a drug that was used successfully years ago called Cholestramine (Questran)is one of these drugs... and nowadays it looks like they were on to something. Maybe ask your vet to look into this and see if this might be something you might want to try to assist with the elevated cholesterol.....................
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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Oswulf
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Re: EPI and Cholesterol

Post by Oswulf » 12 Feb 2020, 20:19

Thanks for the helpful replies.
Olesia711 wrote: 11 Feb 2020, 09:59 Years ago, EPI dogs were given cholesterol (bile acid) sequestrants to help with the bile acids.....
Was this in the days before commercial enzymes were available, and so was part of a limited range of treatment options? And if not, why did people stop giving sequestrants?

Thanks

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Madelon
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Re: EPI and Cholesterol

Post by Madelon » 16 Feb 2020, 19:48

I don't know anything about the high cholesterol but OMG that's the cutest puppy!!!!
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.

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