Epi4Dogs

Hello,
My name is Bill. My wife, JoAnn and have a 4-yr-old GSD - Lucy and a 9-yr-old Boston Terrier - Patrick. Lucy was diagnosed with EPI last Friday. I was able to drive her blood work to the amazing TVMDL (Texas A&M ) in College Station. Had results back by noon on Friday. The Vet wanted $700-$1000 to do all the tests. A&M charged me $97! That included a complete blood chemistry as well. Her Trypsin-like IP was 1.3, Cobalamin was 313 and Folate was 21.6. We started her on enzymes right away and were able to switch to Enzymediane's 6x starting yesterday. She has already been improving. We caught this early. She was down to 59lbs as of last Thursday. We see vet tomorrow. I believe she is putting on weight already. It's been a scary ride, but I know with the terrific people on this board, Diane of Enzymediane and Olesia Kennedy have been so friendly and understanding. Thank you all soooo much! This our precious Lucy!

Welcome! Lucy is gorgeous. Glad you are proactive on this. Did the vet say anything about B12 shot protocol from TAMU? Lucy's B12 needs to be in the upper high range like 500 or greater. You can use shots or oral supplement with Intrinsic factor.
As for the diet what is Lucy eating?

Jill

Welcome, Bill, to you and JoAnn and Lucy! She is beautiful. You really did your research and got results fast. Lucy is very lucky to have you and your wife in her corner. So glad that you got her on Diane’s enzymes so quickly.

I agree with Jill that you that Lucy will need B12 supplementation to get her levels up. She can have injections ….either from your vet or you can give them yourself……or you can purchase pills with intrinsic factor that you can get from Wonderlabs. (Called Pet Factor)

One thing that helped us enormously especially at the beginning was keeping a journal/log. Record everything you give Lucy each day, the amounts, and the resulting poos. This will help you to see what is working and what needs to be adjusted.

Ask any questions you have. Let us know how the vet visit goes. You are doing a great job already.

Barb

Barb and Jill,
Thank you so much for the warm welcome! I should be receiving the B-12 vial and Tylosin powder in the next day or so. Vet prescribed Omeprazole 20mg too. We're transitioning Lucy to
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach and skin from Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice. She had put 3lbs on after one week...so, sure seems like she's responding well.

Again, a million thanks to you gals and everyone on this great forum!

Cheers!
Bill

Good afternoon and welcome from the UK

that is one hell of a saving

the Tylosin is weight dosed twice daily

https://epi4dogs.com/antibiotics/

which actual variety of food are you giving ?

we recommend 50% over and above what the food directions say for the weight they SHOULD be, and the daily journal is essential

and the b12 is essential

https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_ ... py_for_epi

what was Omeprazole prescribed for ?

what a beautiful photo and I adore the surroundings, very regal

Jeanx

Jean,
Thank you for your reply. After researching the Omeprazole and talking with Diane of Enzymediane.com, I have decided to discontinue. Lucy never had any gut disturbances beyond yucky poop and the SID/SIBO. We're transitioning her to Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin from Pro Plan Lg Breed Chicken/Rice. Should receive the Tylosin and B-12 on Wednesday.

Again, thanks for being so concerned and caring.

What a great group this is!

Cheerio!
Bill

Bill, Welcome to your family! As you seem to have already figured out, living with an EPI dog is very manageable, though there can be ups and downs, and this wonderful forum is always here to answer our questions.

I looked, but was unable to find the percentage of fiber in Lucy's new food. It's good for the fiber to be at around or less than 4%, Grain-free is great, too. If you read the signatures at the bottom of the posts, you can see what foods some of us have had success with.

Tucker has done well on Sport Dog Elite, for herding dogs. Makes his poop black, but hey, it's easier to find it among the fall leaves!

Glad you're here---Pam

This IS a great group

I have been around since 2010 when the group was in its infancy , and forum based only

with the forum and the internet it has become a worldwide force of knowledge, and we have members everywhere

it has been my privilege to be a member of staff, and Forum Director, and have made some very close friendships over the years, and spent holidays with one of them in Scotland, I love helping wherever I can and you learn as you go on constantly

so let us know what happens and what works for you

My Kara couldnt tolerate chicken or poultry fat in dog food, or rice, but she was 1 of many different EPI dogs