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by Baldursmom on 15 January 2009 - 00:01
Thanks for the input. It has has been about three years since I even went to the board as I was frustrated by the same things you are, no discussion, just do as I say whether it is working or not.
I have had issues getting enzymes at a decent interval for my guy so I began ordering them myself and Am Labs gets them to me in a day or two. We had a buying co-op started here in the Chicago area, but it fell apart and now we order on our own to make sure we have what we need when we need it.
Keep me informed about the 8X and how it works for you, esp, bleeding gums. Baldur has had some problems with this on the 6x so I am reluctant to go up a strenght.
Baldur went from a healty 95 lbs down to 73 in a matter of 6 weeks as my vet at the time tested him for parasites tried different wormers and tested his blood for everything but TLI (boy was I pissed when I asked for pancreatic function and TLI wasn't run). The vet finally told me to give him pepto bismol! Then he called back a few hours later and said we should test for TLI. This guy had just bought the practice from my retireing vet and I thought I would give him a shot as he had spent time teaching at U of Purdue. Boy was I wrong.
I took him immediatly to another vet that night and he called hm the poster biy for EPI. We started the enzymes that night and we have gotten better since, back up to 95 lbs and happy 95% of the time. I do have to watch him, if his tummy gets upset, he gets growley (just like my hubby with his indigestion) and we do the tagment ect. to treat it.
by meb925 on 15 January 2009 - 06:01
Hello,
I'm a new member of this site, and I've just read the posts on EPI. I, too, have an EPI GSD, and am a member of the K9-EPIGlobal yahoo group and purchase the enzyme powder for my dog through that affiliation. I don't know if it OK to also post here, that there is EPI research being done at Texas A&M University (TAMU), and they are looking for more GSDs (EPI and non-EPI dogs) for their PHase II study. If GSD owners are willing to participate in the study (it is a simple matter of sending in a dog's blood sample) TAMU may soon find the cause of EPI. Below is the information from that post.
MEB
***
Texas A&M is continuing to pursue Phase II of the EPI Research. They need blood from affected and non-affected GSDs.
If you are interested and would like to contribute a blood sample of your (German Shepherd) EPI dog (or non-EPI dog), please contact: Dr. Leigh Anne Clark, PhD., Research Ass't Prof, Dept of Pathobiology, Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at: Lclark@cvm.tamu.edu <mailto:Lclark@cvm.tamu.edu>.
She will send you paperwork to fill out. When you talk to Dr. Clark, please ask if you can have their FedEx # as TAMU will pay for shipping your blood sample as long as they still have funding for this option.
**BLOOD CONTRIBUTION INSTRUCTIONS FOR EPI RESEARCH*
*To participate in contributing a blood & serum sample to the EPI Research being done at Texas A&M. The blood is used to isolate DNA and the serum to carry out a cTLI test:
1. Dog will need to fast 12 hours before the draw.
2. Draw approximately 10ml blood into syringe
3. Fill purple-top with 5-6mls
4. Invert the tube several times after filling
5. Fill red-top tube with remainder of blood
6. Spin blood to separate serum
7. After separation, transfer serum to second red-top tube
8. Please make sure tubes are clearly labeled
9. Return samples in a Styrofoam cooler with a freezer pack.
10. Do not ship on a Friday.
11. Ship standard overnight via Fed Ex to:
Attn: Leigh Anne Clark (Murphy LAB)
Room 215 VMS bldg.
College Station, TX 77843-4467
by Karmen Byrd on 28 January 2009 - 13:01
Update on Clank:
I had a TLI test and complete blood panel run on him this past week. I need some opinions on what others think. The cbc came back with great results, nothing earth shattering and looks great. TLI test came back at 5.2 and my understanding is in the very lowest of the "normal" range. This dog shows all signs of EPI and with those levels is this considered true EPI or pancreatitis. He is on enzymes right now and shows more solid stool on it. I am getting a full update on his condition today when I meet with the foster mom.
by Baldursmom on 28 January 2009 - 14:01
They can show all of the symptoms without the TLI being in the diagnostic range. The pancrease may still be over 10% efficient, in my opinion, the support of the enzymes will help preserve the natural function for some time. For the TLI to be <5, the pancrease degeneration is typically over 90%.
Other things can affect the test, fasting for 24 hours is mandatory, no treats, nothing.
If you can swing it, retest after fasting in about two weeks and see what happens then. Baldur had the same results on his first test, second one came in at 3. he was not fasted for the 1st as we just wanted a dx and the vet saw him as the poster boy for EPI at that time, nothing but skin and bones.
by sonora on 28 January 2009 - 15:01
Hi Karmen,
I read with interest ,your experience while working with a vet.
I may have a female G S D ,belonging to a friend ,which suffers from E P I .
I intend to advice him to carry out the necessary blood test to confirm , if the dog has EPI.
As such I'm interested in your recommended diet for such dogs and the studies you have carried out.
I have gained a lot of knowledge from all of you ,on this thread.
Thank You
by Horse30189 on 28 January 2009 - 17:01
The digestive enzymes (be it plant-based or porcine-based) are not only used for dogs with EPI or other pancreas issues. Digestive enzymes can be used for ANY dog to help promote a better digestive system. Humans also use Pancrezyme supplements to aid in digestion as well.
If the dog is benefitting from the addition of the enzymes into his diet, then by all means....continue.
As far as diets for dogs with EPI - foods that are low in fat and fiber are the best. However, I seemed to recall reading the other day that some fat in the diet (and slowly increasing) can actually benefit the dog and restoration rather than hinder?
With my former EPI dog, it was low fat, low fiber, and careful mixing and setting times for the enzymes in his diet.
by Karmen Byrd on 06 March 2009 - 12:03
I am happy to announce that Clank has a found a new home in Arizona. Clank was taken to a friend, Steve Zorn, in Chicago who found him a wonderful home. He is doing well and really coming to life. Thanks Steve for helping me save this dog's life. I look forward to seeing pictures of him in his new life and new family
Karmen
by Baldursmom on 06 March 2009 - 13:03
So good to hear he has a new home in sunny AZ. I know Steve and he is a credit to GSD owners everwhere and a true freind of mans best best freind!
Karmen, you too are to be commended for helping this dog when others would have let him be pts.
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