EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

[bnk]

Sampson and Bella's playmate was just diagnosed with this condition. I had never heard of it and was wondering if anyone out there had any experience with it??

Thanks

Brian

 

[BluwaterNewfs]

Yes - I have a newf with it. It is very rare in newfoundlands. Is your friend's dog a newf?

It is not curable but is managable. The dog must have special enzymes added to their because they can't digest it properly.

 

[bnk]

Thanks Joan - he is not a newf (but i have found this is the best place to get any information!) How old was yours when you found out and how old are they now??

 

[BluwaterNewfs]

My girl was 2 1/2 when she was diagnosed. She just turned 8 a month ago. She has good days and bad days. It was very hard at first because you need to be very strict with the diet. Treats are hard - and with mulitple dogs in the house the others unfortunately suffer because I can't give them treats and not Savannah.

Most dogs diaganosed with are German Shepards. It is believed there is a gentic link in the shepards.

What breed is your friends dog?

 

[bnk]

She is a Golden...she is having a difficult time figuring out what treatment she should be using - her vet doesn't seem to be too familiar with the condition and/or treatment options...

 

[BluwaterNewfs]

The treatment is a special diet and special enzymes. SHe needs to find a vet that understands the disease. I am sending you a private message.

 

[victoria1140]

hi my friend's german sheperd suffers with this and has to be fed hills i/d food with a special enzyme powder sprinkled on it. Once she was stable she was allowed certain treats only, a little chicken or ham but she has to be carefully managed.

 

[Lori]

Hi,

You can go onto www.dogaware.com and search the disease. They seem to have alot of info on many things.

Good luck to your friend,

 

[R Taft]

Your friend really needs to find a vet who will help, because there are slightly different levels of this............But yes it will be a add enzymes to meals from now on, with a strict diet. Surely the vet should be able to get some help from his/hers vet community.
I hope your friend finds the support they will need, all the best to your friends golden