[Heidigsd]

I don't know if this has been posted before but I just saw that Texas A&M is doing a study on EPI in GSD's. Just thought I would post the link in case anyone is interested in participating.

http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/gilab/research/EPI%20research.shtml

Michaela

 

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Bumping this up-is there an EPI group I wonder?

I had Bella and Nina participate in their IgA study and it ended up helping a lot when Nina got sick-with her skin condition there is often an IgA deficiency and she had similar numbers. I never would have known that.

 

[chruby]

Thanks for posting again. I have been meaning to participate in this. Just needed another reminder.

 

[LisaT]

We participated in the IgA study also.

I found this interesting on the Texas A&M site:

EPI Dogs' food needs to be treated with enzymes (which are expensive), and many dogs also require special foods, or, preferably, a raw diet.

How many vets probably tell their clients about the raw part???

 

[jan630]

Hello,
My dog Kita has EPI and she is a participant of the Texas A&M EPI research study.
I am very happy to say that she is stable and responded beautifully to our treatment plan.
There is an EPI support group online that is tremendously helpful.
It is
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/k9-EPIGLOBAL/
another very informative website about EPI is
http://www.epi4dogs.com/

Jan R.
Mass.

 

[BowWowMeow]

What is the treatment plan they have your dog on?

 

[jan630]

A successful treatment plan is basically 3 pronged:
1. Porcine based enzymes used on the food properly
2. 30 treatment for SIBO
3. vitamin B12 subQ injections according to protocol

the food feed, treated with enzymes, should be no more than 12% fat and 4% fiber.

EPI is a very serious and fatal disease if not treated properly. Getting the right treatment plan for each dog takes some tweaking since each dog is different.

If not treated these dogs litteraly starve to death and suffer horrendously.

Jan R.
Mass

 

[jan630]

oops.
30 day treatment for SIBO by flagyl or tylan

Jan R.
Mass

 

[LJsMom]

Originally Posted By: jan630another very informative website about EPI is
http://www.epi4dogs.com/

What a great website. Do I have the only fat EPI dog?

 

[jesmagmisty]

I had a very beautiful GSD (Jazzi) with EPI. She was diagnosed at 22 months. Jazzi had the privilege of participating in the Texas A &M study. We lost her at 5 1/2 years to mesenteric volvulus but her epi was maintained the entire time on her enzymes and other supplements. She never had to have B12 injections or pills, etc. I still miss her terribly.
Robbie