Possible EPI - please help

[Olesia711]

please keep us posted!

[Winnieph1]

please keep us posted!

Thank you all for the comments, they are extremely helpful. We got a second opinion and seen a different vet today and I requested the TLI test and fasted her for it. He was really great, gave her a full examination and expressed his concern for her weight loss and her oily bottom - which the last vet really didn’t care much for.
We should have the results back in the next couple of days, so I’ll keep you posted on those. The vet has also reran the previous blood work to see if there are any major differences here. The only thing that confused him was her leaking bottom which is an oily yellow substance, it’s not something he has seen before with dogs with EPI.

The plan of action is check for EPI - if it is that they we can get her on the right treatment. If it’s not that, he mentioned having a scan to get an idea of what is happening in her bowels, and attempting a little bit of guesswork/trial and error to get her the right treatment. He said some dogs react well with steroids when they have bowel issues that aren’t EPI or we can get referred to a specialist which will probably mean a biopsy.

[Eddiespaghetti]

I am glad this vet is willing to do a full exam, and is taking all of this stuff seriously. The oily bottom can be from the fat in the food not getting broken down and passes right through them. It can be from other stuff as well. My Eddie had this problem before we treated with enzymes. It's more than likely yellow because of SIDs and undigested food.
In the meantime, you can look into the supplements. B-12 and slippery elm is a good place to start, and this way if the cTLI does can back for EPI you already know where to get them.

[Tuckaboo Pam]

Paige, please read today's update from Texas A&M, concerning test results, and share with your vet. It's currently at the top of the page. Different numbers are now assumed likely EPI, and a trial treatment is advised. At least that's what my unscientific brain thinks it read. Yea, for a more involved vet!!!---Pam & Tucker

[Olesia711]

Hi Paige, glad you tried another vet..... and VERY glad they are going to do the TLI test. Please keep us posted!

[Winnieph1]

Hi Paige, glad you tried another vet..... and VERY glad they are going to do the TLI test. Please keep us posted!

The vet just called and we have a confirmed diagnosis of EPI. So we are starting b12 and enzymes which I can pick up tomorrow and then we need to ensure her diet is 15% or lower in fat.

I’m so happy we have answers and can start her on treatment to make her better. It’s a lot of information to take in, and I’ll be trawling this website this evening to better understand.

Anything you can share or any recommendations would be great.

[Eddiespaghetti]

Awesome, now that we have a confirmed diagnosis we can get into it.
Slippery Elm/Tylosin - you will need one of these to help with the SIDs (short intestine dibyosis). Slippery elm is easier to find as it doesn't need a prescription. If you go the slippery elm route, follow the directions on the package for dosing. Start out at about half of the dosage for the first couple days then increase to the recommended amount. If that doesn't help firm poopy you will need tylosin. This is the route a lot of people recommend. I,. personally, prefer to start with the tylosin regime and move to slippery elm after the 45 days. The dosage recommendation is on the website, but typically 25mg/kg, for starting dosage. Twice a day. Do not give metronidazole/ flagyl.
B-12- follow the recommendation of your vet/ packing for dosage. You can't give too much of this stuff, but no need to give too much. Try to find a B12 supplement that has folate in it as well. This isn't usually a problem for EPI, but might as well.
Enzymes - The recommended amount is 1 teaspoon of enzymes per 1 cup of kibble, and 3/4th teaspoon per 1 cup of wet food. This is the recommended amount, and you may need to adjust. Once stable you can try cutting back the enzymes. Try 1/8th teaspoon less with each meal for a week and see how it goes.
The EPI4dogs website has all the information you will need, but I am trying to consolidate it here for you.
I am not giving recommendations for specific products only because I don't know where you live.

[Olesia711]

Hi Paige,

SOOOoooo glad your new vet ran the TLI test! At least now you have a diagnosis and can proceed with the right treatment!

Since you live in the UK..... please look up CHEMEYES, LLC
https://chemeyes.co.uk/
..... they are our "go-to" resource for EPI in the UK. They are real easy to work with, have great products and if you have ANY questions, ask to talk to Cameron or Suj.

If you go with their enzymes... please go with their high strength powder: https://chemeyes.co.uk/product/pancreatic-enzymes/
they also have the appropriate B12 pills WITH intrinsic factor (same as what we use here is the USA) https://chemeyes.co.uk/product/vitamin-b12-capsules/

I know SLippery Elm powder is available in the UK.... trype it in your browser and see what pops up... it is better to get the powder so you can control how much you use............

[Barb]

So glad you had the Tli test done and you now have a correct diagnosis. Not that you wanted this diagnosis, but now you can proceed and help your pup to good health. One thing that really helped us when Kolby was with us and we were feeling overwhelmed at the beginning was keeping a log/journal. It really saved our sanity. Record everything
you give your girl, the amounts and the resulting poos. This will help you see what works and what needs to be tweaked.

Remember that the beginning stage is the hardest while you are trying to get everything in balance. It will get easier. You are doing a great job already.

Barb

[Winnieph1]

So glad you had the Tli test done and you now have a correct diagnosis. Not that you wanted this diagnosis, but now you can proceed and help your pup to good health. One thing that really helped us when Kolby was with us and we were feeling overwhelmed at the beginning was keeping a log/journal. It really saved our sanity. Record everything
you give your girl, the amounts and the resulting poos. This will help you see what works and what needs to be tweaked.

Remember that the beginning stage is the hardest while you are trying to get everything in balance. It will get easier. You are doing a great job already.

Barb

Thanks Barb. We are just happy we can help make her better now. She’s only a couple of days in to B12 and enzyme treatment and we’ve already such a huge difference in her poops and within herself, the leaky bottom has stopped too. I feel like I’m seeing glimpses of her energetic old self which brings us so much joy!