Epi4Dogs

I wanted to see if anyone has experienced autoimmune issues with their pup prior to being diagnosed with EPI. About a year ago, our Pembroke Welsh Corgi Belle, at age 6 years, was diagnosed with what out vet thought was Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO)- an abnormal toe nail formation. - which is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Then, about 6 months ago, she was diagnosed with vasculitis that effected her ear tips and paw pads, another autoimmune disorder. Three months later, she's diagnosed with EPI, seemingly out of the blue. I am wondering if the EPI could be a result of her autoimmune issues? And, if so, will the autoimmune continue to wreak havoc on her?
I don't know if I should pursue a veterinary Rheumatologist or some other specialist to try and get the autoimmune disorder(s) under control. Last thing I want is to be chasing all these diagnoses and missing the bigger picture. We are supplementing her with Vit E, D3 Forte, Niacinimide, Omega 3's and biotin/chondroitin as well as the usual EPI regimen.
TIA

Hi, Louisa, and welcome. I am so sorry your sweet Belle has so much going on. Corgis are so precious.

Staff will soon come in and do the best answer your questions, but in the meantime, will you please post all your test results, what you are feeding Belle, and what your EPI regimen is?

Thank you---Pam

Hi Louisa,

Welcome to our EPI family, although i am sure this is not someplace you had a yearning to be...........

EPI is an autoimmune condition.... and after running this forum for over 14 years....and having had an EPI dog myself (why this website was started in the first place) with some dogs that have EPI, over time they develop other autoimmune conditions....and there is no consistency with what kinds of other conditions come about, just that they too are usually some sort of autoimmune condition. Can other auto immune conditions come about first? Sure!

One of our earlier members, her EPI dog developed SLO after being diagnosed with EPI. ... and there were a couple others.

My dog first developed juvenile incontinence, then EPI at 1+1/2 yr old .... then she developed Vestibular (the central brain inflammation one) and then Uveitus, and then she developed IMHA a very serious and often deadly autoimmune condition, and simultaneously developed diabetes and hypothyroid. She lived to 15 years old and was one of the happiest, funniest dogs i ever had. Even though she was obviously riddled with autoimmune conditions ... she was a fierce fighter who loved life (she was constantly teasing and into some sort of mischief daily!) but accepted and flourished with every treatment for every condition that she had.

So my personal viewpoint is to YES, do treat every individual condition that comes along UNLESS you can tell that a dog doesn't have the will or desire to fight the battle. BUt like i said, this is just my personal viewpoint. Ultimately it is your dog and you and your dog's decision on how to proceed.......

Hi Pam,
Our first Corgi was Tucker! Truly an incorrigible pup! If anyone should have gotten EPI it should have been him. He ate anything and everything. Lived to the ripe, old age of 15!
Belle is our 5th Corgi, along with her cousin Oliver, our 6th, who is 6 yrs. That's why this is such a surprise for us.
Belle's current diet, 3 x day, consists of:
1/4 cup Blue Buffalo Grain Free Salmon/Sweet Potato
1/4 cup Honest Kitchen Human Grade Grain Free dehydrated chicken
She was down to 22 lbs from 28 (which was a bit chubby for her). Her ideal weight should be around 24-25. So, that is what we are trying to get her back to. We are adding an extra meal we are calling "elevensies" mid day, until her weight climbs back. Of course, meals now include 1/4 tsp of enzymes ea meal. She is also supplemented once a day with Vit E, D3 Forte, Omega 3, Niacinimide, (these in support of her other autoimmune issues) and 500mg B12 with intrinsic factor. We have been on the enzymes for about a week and a half now. She is looking so much better and tomorrow is our weekly weigh in. She looks like she's gained maybe a half lb.
I've attached her latest labs. You'll notice a set from 6/23 and a set from 7/6. I was disappointed to see that they did not check her B12. We are getting that tested in about 4 weeks. Thank you for taking the time to inquire. I really appreciate it.
L

Thank you for the welcome, Olesia. While, as you say, I would rather not be here, I am so thankful that this site exists. It has provided a wealth of information on a condition, that up until 3 weeks ago, I had no idea even existed. I would be at a loss without it. I have even told my vet about it as she has no experience with EPI, either.
Based on your experience, it looks like I just need to go with the flow and hope that no other autoimmune issues pop up with Belle. But, if they do, we'll continue to treat them as they come.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond.
L