Advice needed
Posted: 26 Aug 2021, 17:58
My sweet boy Ernie was diagnosed with EPI on June 24, 2021. He immediately started on weekly B12 injections, Viokase Enzymes and Tylan powder (2x per day). Mid July, I switched him to Enzyme Diane 6X and also began mixing the food he was on (prior to diagnosis), Purina HA Vegetarian formula, with Natural Balance LID Salmon & Sweet Potato. He's been doing great-back to being full of energy, solid stool and gained back 12 of the pounds he lost. I was so excited! Until last week...
I noticed that Ernie began sleeping more, but I assumed it's because it has been ridiculously hot & humid here in Michigan. But then, I also noticed, he also appears to be straining to poop...and he doesn't like to complete the job. Sometimes coming in the house, just to realize he isn't finished. So, I'm thinking maybe constipated? But the volume of his poo has also increased-nearly double than what he has been doing in recent weeeks. But then so many more factors...I realized that early this week, was also the start of his meals with no more of the Vegetarian food mixed in. He also went for 3 weeks with no B12 injections as I was waiting for instruction from my vet after the original prescribed 6wk schedule was completed. The vet sent home more B12 & needles, and the shots resumed 3 days ago.
With all that said, I'm not sure what or where to begin as to what the problem could be? Should I wait until next week, a couple days after his 2nd B12 shot, to see if anything changes? Should I slowly increase the fiber in his food to help with apparent constipation? Do I need to decrease the amount of enzymes I'm using (1tsp/1 cup of food, 4x a day)? I am nervous about doing too much at once with his already fragile system. Any advice would be much appreciated!
I noticed that Ernie began sleeping more, but I assumed it's because it has been ridiculously hot & humid here in Michigan. But then, I also noticed, he also appears to be straining to poop...and he doesn't like to complete the job. Sometimes coming in the house, just to realize he isn't finished. So, I'm thinking maybe constipated? But the volume of his poo has also increased-nearly double than what he has been doing in recent weeeks. But then so many more factors...I realized that early this week, was also the start of his meals with no more of the Vegetarian food mixed in. He also went for 3 weeks with no B12 injections as I was waiting for instruction from my vet after the original prescribed 6wk schedule was completed. The vet sent home more B12 & needles, and the shots resumed 3 days ago.
With all that said, I'm not sure what or where to begin as to what the problem could be? Should I wait until next week, a couple days after his 2nd B12 shot, to see if anything changes? Should I slowly increase the fiber in his food to help with apparent constipation? Do I need to decrease the amount of enzymes I'm using (1tsp/1 cup of food, 4x a day)? I am nervous about doing too much at once with his already fragile system. Any advice would be much appreciated!