EPI & Diabetes?

[Bowers]

Hello!

Gryphon has had several stable months after his EPI diagnose and for this I say thank you to this group!! His poops are near perfect daily!

Alas, I find I am a little lost now. This weekend, my kiddo mentioned to me that Gryphon's breath smelled like syrup. This is something I have noticed since he was a pup but it was never an "all the time" thing. It came and went so I just sort of forgot about it.

I noticed that he seemed really, really, more hungry than his normal this weekend as well.

This morning, he could not hold his urine in while he waited for me to open the door to send him out. As I checked the house, I found that he was up last night, and peed in the living room as well as this morning. It was that "boy dog" drizzle while he paced sort of thing! Normally he snoozes all night and I checked a camera and did him that he paced for bit before finally giving in as we were all asleep.

Today, he has seemed better. No signs of leaking urine.

Is it true that EPI dogs can become diabetic? It might be a one time thing but I would like to be proactive without sounding crazy at the vet! LOL!

Thoughts and advice appreciated!

[Olesia711]

Thanks for writing in about this.... and yes..... EPI dogs can develop Diabetes, although it does not happen as often as you think it would... but it does happen.

However, i would first check for possible UTI.

My Izzy, tested positive for EPI at 1+1/2 yrs old. At 7 years old she developed Diabetes (along with a diagnosis of IMHA). .... my Izzy went on to live with EPI + Diabetes (and other health conditions!!!) for 8 more years. SHe passed away at 15.

Just sharing this in case your dog is developing Diabetes......

[Eddiespaghetti]

Hello,
Of course dogs with EPI can develop diabetes, any and all dogs can. The syrup smell can be a sign of diabetes, but what is more common is increased drinking. If they aren't drinking a lot more water than is might not be full blown diabetes.
It could be they are pre diabetic, which would explain why it comes and goes. A food change might help here. Your vet should be able to recommend an option. Even if it isn't grain free, you can compensate for that with increased enzymes.
Another option is muscle atrophy. This is somewhat common with EPI pups depending on how much damage was done before diagnosis. Or, if they aren't getting all the nutrients they need. My Eddie is going through this, he has put on a lot of weight, but muscle is coming a little slower. Increased food and exercise will help but it might be slow. If it gets really bad you can try an incontinence medication.
Sadly, I don't have one final answer as it can be many different things and on different sides of the spectrum.