EPI Experts please - Page 3

The TLI level is 12.5 but his folate levels are low. Low folate is a big indicator of Irritable Bowel Disease. This is what needs to be looked at. If the dog has IBD, enzymes WILL NOT work on the issues the dog has. The dog will need a course of steroids and to be put on a grain free, novel protein diet.

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=b6bfe2ca-f186-4617-a1eb-7ac67693183c&gas=enzymes
i have used this product with success.  no script needed.
pjp

IBD can be even trickier than EPI finding the correct protein source that the dog can tolerate is crucial.  My friend's dog could only tolerate venison. She used to buy whatever she could from local butchers during hunting season and stock up. She made a homemade diet for the dog. Good  Luck.  My EPI girl once stabilized has been an easy keeper ever since.  She is on a raw grain free low fat diet with porcine based enzymes from enzymediane.com She had frquent bouts of SIBO initially but this subsided over time (treated with 30 day courses of Tylan powder) She never needed B 12 injections thank good ness.Lyn
 
 
 

I have spent the weekend reading everything I can! So far, I have learned that a lower (even normal) folate level indicates an issue within the primeral small intestine area.  There appears to be more than one thing that can cause this issue, but food sensitivity is one of the first and largest things to look at since this area of the small intestine comes in such contact with the food.  Although he is doing okay right now and much better, I know there is some underlying issue with him.  I have decided to try a food trial (and I just ordered venison food, treats, canned, etc.) to start with plus he'll still get probiotics and omega 3 supplements.  Hopefully this will keep a recurrence from happening and allow him to put weight back on.  Vet wants to recheck his albumin level again soon, and so hopefully that will go back to normal again too.  Thanks again for all the help ....no epi, but something else instead!

Here's a link on holistically treating IBD.  I think the 4R approach that's outlined is very helpful for healing damage to the GI tract from many causes.

HOLISTIC APPROACHES TO INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE  - Carvel G. Tiekert, DVM

http://www.ivis.org/docarchive/proceedings/NAVC/2007/SAE/018.pdf

I wouldn't rule out giardia based on a single negative sample.  I took many samples in...until the staff started looking at me strangely...for one of my dogs.  Finally got a positive result on his annual checkup, long after his on again, off again diarrhea had resolved...go figure.  His only symptoms were an occasional urgency to go (not diarrhea) and a low folate.