New to Epi- Crockett

[Chance]

I too want to know how the gastro elm goes! I had to use about half recommended amount. I think the fiber content was just for abit too much for Rylee

[rebeccal]

So long story short update: Crockett started Gastroelm and first day went well. But then suddenly he started having increased excessive salivation, was lethargic, refused meals or only ate a small portion, and showed signs of weakness. Being a human doctor something just wasn't right and wasn't adding up for me. I went back through all of his labs and found that his vitamin D level had been 153 (high) the week prior to starting enzymes and the enzymes that were prescribed (by the big medical center internal medicine specialist)had vitamin D in them. Signs of vitamin D toxicity can mimic acid reflux: Vomiting, Weakness, Loss of appetite, Increased thirst and urination, Weight loss, Constipation, Excessive drooling. We immediately went to see his primary vet, got bloodwork done, and changed him over to a vitamin free enzyme and so far his "acid reflux symptoms" are looking much better. We still think he has Sid/sibo that we will continue to work on but here is a reminder that when something doesn't feel right follow your gut (and ALWAYS get copies of every lab or test).

[jilbert57]

Rebecca, very good research! Your patients are lucky to have you.
I have never dealt with Vit D toxicity. How long does it take for the levl to decline?
Glad you picked up on this.

Jill

[rebeccal]

The treatment is easy hydration to flush him out so he is getting extra water mixed in every meal. We will retest him every week until he is back to normal levels.

[jilbert57]

Great thanks!

Jill

[Olesia711]

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you, thank you THANK you for posting this about the Vit D toxicity..... I actually personally was diagnosed years ago with Vit D toxicity and dr. had to switch me to a different brand of calcium that did not include Vit D.

I NEVER thought to even think that one of the enzyme products that includes vitamins in with it's enzymes could cause Vit D toxicity with a dog that may already have high levels of Vit D..... even though i know from personal Vit D toxicity experience that it doesn't take much to trigger a toxicity... i just never thought to segue this information over to dogs... so thank you VERY much for bringing this to our attention!!

What we do tell people is that although EPI dogs are depleted in many vitamins, just as a general rule of thumb, EPI parents should not give any of the fat soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) without a vet's recommendation. (Fat Soluble vitamins accumulate in the body and too much can cause toxicity)... again, i never thought to consider this when giving an enzyme product with these vitamins in it if a dog already has a high level of one of the vitamins..

[rebeccal]

Olesia
You are so welcome. I felt horrible when I looked back at his labs and made the correlation to the enzymes having vitamin d and his prior vitamin d level. As stated, he was on the prescribed enzyme which means his specialist didn't make that connection either. When I spoke with his primary vet about my concern (his specialist wasn't available), she was quick to get him in for labs and to make a new modified plan. The good news is no permanent damage done and now he is more comfortable.

[Olesia711]

Rebecca,

Again, i want to thank you profusely for this information!... It is a detail that can make a huge difference for many dogs.
I felt that you sharing this information is so important that i just created an Acid Reflux page
https://epi4dogs.com/acid-reflux/
regarding this possibility.... as i am sure although many of us are aware of fat soluble toxicity, by taking such good care of our pets, in some cases (depending on the individual pet)we just might be causing a problem!

I hope you don't mind, but i used your description of the toxicity description.

Again, thank you SO much!

[rebeccal]

Olesia
We are happy to share are experience, especially if it can help someone else. Our primary vet and specialist didnt think about the possibility of toxicity until I asked based on what we were seeing. So far today he is doing much better and has needed 0 cerenia and only his scheduled omeprazole.

[jilbert57]

Sounds great!

Jill