Show-line male looses 10lbs in 5 weeks – not EPI.. - Page 1

My show-line male has lost 10 pounds in a little over a month (was a 103 now 93) – most of it appears to be muscle mass. I had him at the vet yesterday who appeared convinced that it was EPI causing mal-digestion – he fits the age & heath profile (typically in good health, middle aged GSD) and his CBC and other tests (tick born diseases, worms, urine concentration) all came back normal. The results came back today from Antec and the TLI and B12 (I think it is 12…) were both well within the normal range- which threw us for a loop. The vet requested an electrolyte profile and hasn’t ruled a pancreatic issue out – but sounded skeptical at this point. I was a little bummed to hear EPI yesterday – but at least that is fairly treatable with enzymes and at least I thought I knew what was going on. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to consider/ check for? While he is out of coat (so going to look a little skinny anyhow) the weight loss is VERY noticeable. You can feel every rib and vertebrae. His chest is sunken and he is very low on energy. This is a rather large, active working male who a 6 to 8 weeks ago was rippling with muscles, even given the cold weather that had us training much less than during the nice months. He is showing typical shepherd ‘I don’t feel good’ symptoms, like being very sensitive (say when I correct another dog he shys – almost like I’ve given him a severe correction) and tends to run back to his kennel frequently. His appetite and water consumption have remained normal and stools have been typical as well. I’ve upped his food intake (over a week), started supplements and put him on probiotics (since Friday) and have seen a small boost in energy level – but nothing to rejoice over – and no apparent weight gain. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated. -Calvin

Please don't take this the wrong way, it is not meant to be condecending: Was he completely fasted for at least 12 hours before the TLI? Absolutely nothing except water? Have there been any radiographs done to look for masses, or ultrasound? Ultrasound would be best, to check all of the organs for masses. It can also check the heart. I worry much about cancer in our guys, especially middle aged.

Also, coccidia can be had to diagnose, maybe a thorough deworming just for good measure?

Did they do a chem profile? If so do you have the results?

I was thinking the same as Sheesh, coccidia or giardia. I have seen similar temper and body & coat issues with the above. I can only imagine the costs that are and will be associated to diagnosing but keep going and ruling everything out that you can. Wish you the best!

Thanks for the input guys! We did NOT fast him! I intially thought tick born disease due to a tick bite that had occured in the same time frame. It was first thing in the morning and the vet ruled that out quickly and movedd onto madigestion. He'd already drawn blood for the CBC and other tests and that was what he sent off, neither of us thought about fasting! I'm going to call their office this morning and reschedule. Re. cancer & xrays - wouldn't there be some 'smoking gun' symptoms in the blood work as well? -Calvin

Coccidea and Geardia usually cause terrible diarrhea - I too would get a full-panel bloodwork to start with, and possibly x-rays and/or ultrasound if there is anything suspicious at all. Also, take him to another vet - a specialist - consider VA Tech, they have the equipment and specialists there and the price won't knock you out. molly

Your dog must fast 12 hours before running a SIBO, TLI test for EPI. Also, something else to consider could be pancreaitis. Has your dog just suddenly started losing weight, or does he have other symptoms as well? (softer stools, etc.)

My elderly GSD developed pancreatitis one spring. She was having diarrhea AND vomiting in addition to weight loss. In her case, I think it was bacterial, as she was very bad for picking up rotten stuff exposed when the snow melted. After this happened, I started muzzling her when I put her outside. ARRRGggg....bad, bad memory that! I was in the midst of moving, and my mom was in hospital. The dog spent 5 days on intravenous, and came home a walking skeleton. My mom died the day she came home. :-(

Sunsilver, she could have had SIBO coupled with pancreaitis. I'm sorry that you had such a rough time with your dog and your mom.