More Info & Observations If you've been reading the stories regarding Epi and the control of Epi you may have discovered that the treatment differs from one side of the world to the other.
We are based in the UK, therefore we can only comment on the way that *most* Epi cases treated here.Most Epi owners in the UK tend to treat their dogs with Enzyme Replacement Therapy although there are some who feed Raw Pigs Pancreas. We also tend to feed our dogs complete foods although yet again, some owners feed a home-made diet.
All dogs are different, what works for one may not work for the other, it's just a case of finding out what works for yours.
In the USA they tend to treat their dogs by both Enzyme Replacement Therapy and Raw Beef Pancreas. They also seem to feed either BARF diets or home-made diets.
Another thing I've noticed is in the UK, Epi dogs tend to have little or not further problems relating to their condition although SIBO (bacterial overgrowth) can occur but is treated with antibiotics. Some dogs do need regular vitamin B12 injections & some may need their anal glands emptying on a regular basis due to lack of fibre in their diet.
All these things are treatable and controllable.In other parts of the world Epi dogs seem to suffer from all kinds of illnesses and conditions which may or may not be connected Epi, no one knows for sure as it could be that these dogs may have been prone to these disorders regardless off their Epi status.
The reason I'm bringing this to light is quite simply to highlight the difference in both the control and the dogs health in other parts of the world.
As for the success stories, yes some of them have been through the mill but not all. It is still generally agreed that Epi does not necessarily lead on to other life threatening conditions.
Should you join the Epi Support Group please do bear this in mind and not automatically think that your dogs days are numbered.
On the Support Group you'll read plenty of posts full of problems but remember this little fact, the owners who aren't having problems usually don't have a reason to post a message on the site.A thought..........I have now had personal dealings with roughly 12 Epi dogs over the years and out of that 12 only 3 died at an early age, 1 of which was not Epi related.
The general consensus is 80% of dogs do respond to Enzyme Replacement Therapy and go on to lead a full and active life style.
Please do take time to read the Latest Study on Epi, it should answer the majority of your questions.
Should you have any cause for concern, please do contact your vet..........I cannot emphasis this enough..........Do enjoy your dogs.
Liz A Woods...
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