Our New EPI Journey

[Michaela]

Hi Stacie,

Here is a FB group if you want to learn more about DCM and which foods to avoid. https://www.facebook.com/groups/TaurineDCM

[slrocky]

Thank you so much for all the information, Olesia. I agree with you that I need to do what is best for me and my baby boy. He's been doing so wonderful and I have felt so blessed for that. I will continue researching as you suggested and I will post updates on how my little man is doing.

Thanks for responding so quickly. You truly eased my anxiety.

[slrocky]

Hi Michaela,

Thank you for the Facebook link. That is truly a helpful suggestion.

EPI has really changed our lives forever but this forum has been a fabulous educational tool. Being able to receive advice from others who are going through the same thing we are is such a blessing.

Thanks again!!!

[Olesia711]

Stacie, you are very welcome. I just feel bad for you and anyone that is bombarded with conflicting advice when all you want to do is the best by your dog. Wish there was a simple answer, but unfortunately there is not... you just have to do what you think is the best for you and yours .

Michaela, thanks for posting the FB link to the DCM group.... that is a great suggestion and not only will help Stacie figure out what to look out for, it is also a great tool for others seeking DCM information.... SOoo i posted this DCM FaceBook link on our "Taurine - GrainFree Diets page .. THANKS!:
https://epi4dogs.com/taurine-grainfree-diets/

[slrocky]

Hello everyone,

Since April, Ryder has been doing great with his Natural Balance Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato kibble with Pancreved enzymes but has recently starting gaining weight. He had already gained back the weight he lost from being diagnosed with EPI. I'm only feeding him the recommended amount of food based on his weight and the prescribed amount of enzyme required. He's gained 1.5 lbs in the last month. He's a little guy and his stomach is looking distended. His bowel movements are still normal color and consistency but I'm worried about the weight gain putting a strain on his organs. He's now started panting off and on for no reason.

Also, about an hour after eating he retches several times and has only thrown up once or twice with retching over the past few months. Could it be the food, enzyme or both causing these issues?

Just hoping for suggestions.

Thank you!!

[jilbert57]

Not sure about bloat being an issue in a little dog is his tummy painful or hard?
Is he throwing up food or just bile? Could be acid indigestion or beginning SID.
I would reduce the amount of food per meal a tad and in accordance the enzyme and see if that helps the weight gain.
A hard tummy might be best with a vet check. Any signs of pain?

Jill

[slrocky]

Hi Jill,

His belly isn't hard nor does he act like it's painful. The couple times he's thrown up it was watery with a little bit of food. I think I will reduce the amount of food and enzyme to see if that helps. If I don't see any improvement soon I believe I will take him to the vet for a check up. I just thought I would start here on the forum because everyone here knows so much about EPI and how to manipulate the diet and meds.

Thank you for responding. I really appreciate the thoughts and suggestions.

[Olesia711]

Hi Stacie..... when you take him in to the vet... have the vet run a full thyroid test..... what you are describing is what happened to my izzy.... i jsut didn't pick up on it on time... turned out she had low thyroid for a while and that was why she started gaining weight and yes her belly looked rather rotund too..... by the time they figured out she had low thyroid was because she developed IMHA and they also discovered she had diabetes and low thyroid.!

Low thyroid is an easy test and and easy to take care of...

[slrocky]

Oh wow, Olesia!!

Thank you so much for the information. I will definitely get him in for a thyroid panel. Hopefully, that's all it is. I tried backing off the amount of food I was giving him but he's still hungry. I thought maybe I was overfeeding him or something.

You all are such a blessing. Thank you guys for always responding and giving such wisdom and encouragement.