EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency)

[kendal]

over the past 2 weeks we have had a GSD at the kennels who we had been very worried about he had lost alot of weight since his last visit to the kennels only about a month ago.

the owner had taken him to the vet but the vet said his weight was fine, but clearly the dog is grossly underweight i would describe him as emaciated.

anyway when one of our clients was dropping off her dog my boss new she was a vet and a specialized in the gut, so she asked her to have a look at the dog. in just one glance at the dog she told us that the dog should be tested for EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency) it means that an enzyme is not being produced in the pancreas and the dog is not absorbing any of the nutrient from the food.

apparently it is hard to diagnose but because she is a specialized in this Field she picked up on it quick


the dog went home today and his owner was taking him straight to the vet to get tested. we have still to hear back about.

but i thought it was interesting and i had never herd of it so i thought i would let you know as i had spoken to some of you regarding this poor dog. if it is the is EPI then it can be easily fixed with a powdered enzyme added to his meal

this website is about the disorder if you go to EPI Dogs you will see photos of dogs with the condition the GSD is very similar to the one at the kennels.
http://www.epi4dogs.com/
_________________
microchiping and grooming www.chipnclip.co.uk

[Trace]

Very interesting reading, Kendal.

It'll be interesting to hear if the GSD is tested positively for EPI and hopefully make a good recovery.

Keep us posted.

Trace
_________________
Money may buy you a good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail.

[graceb]

Hey Kendel,

Good info to know, these thing can be so hard to diagnose.
_________________
Grace & Dexter

[Jack]

Thanks for sharing Kendal. I've posted over on my forum too - you just never know - it could help someone out there. XxXx
_________________
Staffies are my life! Visit us at www.staffies.co.uk

[Lorna]

EPI is a common condition in Bedlingtons. You can get more info on Bedlington terrier forum.
_________________
Regards,
Lorna, Basil & Poppy
Great Danes are not substitute children. They are much more important than that!

[shirley c]

Oh, I never knew that about Bedlingtons Lorna, will keep that in mind. I knew about the copper toxosis but not EPI or even heard of it.
Hope you find out how the dog does Kendal and let us know
_________________
lurchers Pixel and Zev and whippet, Fen
3 cats, Greebo, Yu and Lexx - 2 ferrets and Dales pony Jazz and adopted pony, April