Doodle with EPI?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

My mini-goldendoodle was diagnosed about 6 months ago with EPI. Basically what that means is that his pancreas isn't producing the needed enzymes to digest food. He lost 15 pounds and was all bones. It was sooo sad and heartbreaking because there is treatment and it may or may not work. Today he is on a special dry food diet and a powdered medicine that needs to be sprinkled on food at every meal. His weight is back up, he is happy, has energy and the prognosis looks good! I am so grateful.

My question is, has anyone else heard of this or experienced it with their dogs?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is really good news!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Kim, I belong to a Yahoo support group for dogs with IBD, and I have gotten some wonderful tips there, including less expensive sources for some of the drugs and supplements. For example, JD's IMS prescribed Tylan, which has to be compounded by a human pharmacy which charged $50 for one week's worth of capsules. My group directed me to an on-line source for buying the powder, the empty capsules, and an inexpensive capsule filling machine so that I could make the capsules myself at home for about 20% of what it costs to get them from the pharmacy.

I know there are Yahoo groups for owners of dogs with EPI, and you might find similar resources there. Some of the IBD dogs in my group also have EPI, and the owners have mentioned these groups. Here is one link, I will look for others: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/k9-EPIGLOBAL/

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is not a Yahoo group, but one of the members of my IBD group recommended it, and it looks outstanding:

http://www.epi4dogs.com/

[Linda, Guinness, Molly, Snickers]

Hi, just wanted to let you know that I changed Sumo's food.a few months ago. He is now on a grain free dog food and even though the pancreatic enzymes helped him I have to tell you that combined with the grain free food he his like.a new dog! And that's saying a lot for an old man his age, lol. All my dogs are now grain free, more expensive but well worth it. Hope your pup is doing well!