Clarification on Feedings

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.
Barb
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Posts: 918
Country: United States
State: New Jersey

Re: Clarification on Feedings

Post by Barb » 27 Apr 2023, 15:28

Hello, Gracie,

You are in good hands with Olesia and Jill. I just wanted to re-emphasize that the beginning stage of dealing with EPI is the most difficult. You are trying to get everything balanced while you are so concerned for your pup. It will get easier once you get more familiar with the treatment. It will become just a part of your routine. You are doing a fine job and your pup is lucky to have you. So try not to get discouraged. I know it isn't easy. We had a lot of trouble at the beginning trying to find the right food, Everything we gave Kolby, our German Shepherd , did not work. And he did not like the enzymed food. He used to look at us like we were trying to poison him when we would give him his meals . But eventually, we found a food that agreed with him and he eventually got used to the enzymes. He lived for 11 years and was a total delight. When people saw him, they couldn't believe he had EPI.

So hang in there.

It will get better.

Barb

Gracie
Member
Posts: 6
Country: United States
State: California
Pet name: Bandit

Re: Clarification on Feedings

Post by Gracie » 02 Jun 2023, 02:42

So just an update. The internal medicine vet is going to have me start Cisapride(whenever I receive it by mail) and switch from Pepcid to omperazole. He has gained weight and poops are normal. Disadvantage is puking/regurgitation isn’t better. Today was the first day of omperazole and he regurgitated water and a little bit of food. Doctor is worried about this because in time those muscles will become more weak and turn to megaesphogus & aspiration pneumonia which will most likely end of his life of caught to late. Currently attempting to train my dog to use a step stool to eat his food and drink water so he’s more upright while eating. I’m so worried that we might have to make the decision that nobody likes to think about.

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Olesia711
Founder & Research Director
Posts: 3858
Location: North Carolina
Country: United States
State: North Carolina
Pet name: Izzy
My name: olesia

Re: Clarification on Feedings

Post by Olesia711 » 02 Jun 2023, 12:01

So sorry to hear that Bandit might segue into Mega E... i hope not, but the on top of a step feeding that you are doing is very proactive..... or else you can resort to the Bailey chair. HOwever..... Dr. Leigh Anne Clark over at Clemson UNiv (Clemson Canine Genetics) does a lot of studies with Mega E....

https://clemsoncaninegenetics.webs.com/megaesophagus.htm

and i don't think the prognosis is as dire as it used to be. If i remember correctly, do your own research on it, because i think i read in the past year where they were able to reverse some of severity of some Mega E cases with a new treatment.....
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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Olesia711
Founder & Research Director
Posts: 3858
Location: North Carolina
Country: United States
State: North Carolina
Pet name: Izzy
My name: olesia

Re: Clarification on Feedings

Post by Olesia711 » 02 Jun 2023, 12:11

found it :)!

the article that more clearly articulates what may help with some Mega E cases: "liquid Sildenafil"

Efficacy of liquid sildenafil as a novel treatment for canine generalized megaesophagus:
Mega E fix.pdf
(326.52 KiB) Downloaded 38 times
https://rex.libraries.wsu.edu/esploro/outputs/99900890781601842?institution=01ALLIANCE_WSU&skipUsageReporting=true&recordUsage=false
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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