QUESTION FOR OWNERS DEALING WITH EPI - Page 1

I have a friend who is thinking about taking in a dog that has EPI. The dog has already bitten two separate people (one was serious) they are thinking because of food aggression. The friend has 4 dogs of her own that live inside. Ive advised her not to take the dog in but she feels the dog can be rehabbed.

How do you think the dog will do (mix breed) going from a single dog home (not sure but I think the dog is in a single dog home) to a 4 dog home under these circumstances? The EPI is one thing, but the fact that the dog has bitten people (even though a food aggression issue) was a definite no for me.

Suggesstions?

epi has nothing to do with biting people. we have a dog with epi and he is verry calm with the wright food. we found it in belgium and he is now verry good in health. http://www.hondenspeciaalzaak.be/  . the owner has a dog with epi too and he is doing sport. Surch for the wright food and he will not be agresiv anymore if that is not in his nature.

Thanks for the info

I have an epi dog.  She does not have food aggression but due to the illness is hungry all the time.  I worked with her and my other dogs from pups to insure feeding time did not result in any aggreesion with people and or the other dogs. 

When Molly's b12 is low she shows a drastic change in her temperment.  Not aggressive, but when training she will get "flighty" meaning will walk around during the Bark and Hold, may "visit" the crowed with the sleeve in her mouth once it is slipped.  After a b12 shot she is back to normal.  I did hear that low b12 results in a change in temperment.  I am not saying that is the case with this dog, but could be something to look into.  

Cheryl

I agree with Rani. EPI has absolutely nothing to do with food aggresstion.  I have a 7 year old male that has had EPI since he was 9 mo old. He is a high energy SAR dog and as long as the Bio-Case V powder is mixed in with his food he remains healthy. 

Taking in a dog with EPI is a very serious responsibility and is not to be looked at mildly.  They MUST have the correct food/medicine balance to remain healthly. EPI in some dogs can trigger other medical problems so unless the owner is willing to make the sacrifice (both financially and emotionally) they should not take the dog.

I would not trade my boy, Raider, for all the money in the world, however, I would think long and hard before taking on another dog with EPI.

I hope this helps and I hope the dog finds a good and loving home!

There are cases on record of unwarranted aggression in dogs afflicted with EPI, and the case histories suggest a link between EPI which is resistant to management and this aggressive behavior.  Regardless of who ends up with this dog, it would be wise to recheck the TLI on him, as well as checking B12 levels and running basic bloodwork, to see if there's an organic reason for the dog's behavior.

Absolutely, what Hexe says.  Yes cases of unwarranted aggression with no "reason or cause" other than EPI or other health problem - EPI dogs are always hungry or feeling like they are hungry - some are starving even if they are getting fed.  Hungry dogs can be food aggressive - it's normal and natural.