Pancreatic insufficiency

petstar · 12-07-2007, 04:25 PM

My husband and I are bringing home a rescued English Bulldog shortly after Christmas...she's about 4 yrs, spayed, current on vaccines but was diagnosed by her owner as having pancreatic insufficiency after several misdiagnoses from a vet. The current owner (whom I've spoken with several times) has her on an enzyme (Pancreazyme) and says she is otherwise healthy. Has anyone had any experience dealing with this condition? I've spoken with my vet who feel it's fairly benign as long as I make sure she is medicated and told me it should not affect her longevity. We plan on feeding a high quality (limited ingredient), natural food in conjunction with her medication and I'm reading a lot about having some occasional B-12 supplementation...does anyone have any suggestions or experience to share? TIA!

Dutchie · 12-07-2007, 05:06 PM

I know a shepherd with the condition- He had trouble putting weight on. what happens is the dog doesn't have the enzymes to absorb nutrients. So essentially they can eat a ton and still starve to death. the enzyme powder corrects the issue.

Anela · 12-07-2007, 05:36 PM

I had a dog that also had pancreas issues, among others. She had one severe attack that almost killed her.

She didn't require meds, but I did give her food specifically made for this condition. I had to order it through the vet. I also used to pulverize her food in the food processor to help her pancreas along.

I also think there is a diet regiment that you could follow but I can't remember what it is. You might check with your vet or look this up specifically.

Good luck!

Anela

Dr.Dog · 12-08-2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutchie

I know a shepherd with the condition- He had trouble putting weight on. what happens is the dog doesn't have the enzymes to absorb nutrients. So essentially they can eat a ton and still starve to death. the enzyme powder corrects the issue.

Well instead of taking any artificial enzymes...1) Consult to the Vet...2) Try 'herb meds'..

petstar · 12-08-2007, 10:14 AM

We typically take a holistic approach to health care and I'm wondering if there are any other remedies to try in conjunction with the medicine.

Anela · 12-09-2007, 02:07 PM

I may be wrong, but I think to get the full effect of a holistic course, you need to just go with that. My experience has been that this does not always work, and I did combine both because I really had nothing to loose.

You might try and Google specifically what you are looking for and see what comes up with that. I have found tons of information this way that has really educated me on my dogs issues and meds.

Anela

petstar · 12-09-2007, 02:17 PM

Anela - Thanks for the response! Thus far, in my research of the condition, everything indicates that the medication is required for proper metabolic function of the missing enzymes associated with the disease. I'm open to try anything, but I don't want to risk her health in the process. Whatever treatment course we decide to take, our vet will definately be included. I agree that using a holistic approach to healthcare should for the most part, disclude any "traditional" medication, but it appears that this is necessary...(and isn't really harmful).

My most recent readings have been about the inclusion of slaughtered animal pancreas rather than the dry, powdered or incapsulated version.

Anela · 12-10-2007, 08:13 AM

The one thing I just remembered is, the holistic approach does not always work for all dogs. I tried holistic on my old girl trying desperately to deal with a severe body infection that almost killed her.

The vet I had at the time was open to this approach and told me it could take at least a month before we would see if things were working. I was trying to get the dog off of strong drugs that had some side effects.

After about 2 weeks, things were getting worse, and I was very concerned that things were going to get to the point of no return. I had to resume with the meds.

Anela

phelana · 05-27-2008, 06:53 AM

I am all for holistic care but the enzyme is essential to replace what nature is missing in this dog. The enzyme is powered rat pancreas or similiar. My dog has been dx with this and has been on the enzyme for 8 weeks with no results. I am at a loss. I read much about it and learned she should have started to improve leading me to believe it is something else.

Good luck

petstar · 05-27-2008, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phelana

I am all for holistic care but the enzyme is essential to replace what nature is missing in this dog. The enzyme is powered rat pancreas or similiar. My dog has been dx with this and has been on the enzyme for 8 weeks with no results. I am at a loss. I read much about it and learned she should have started to improve leading me to believe it is something else.

Good luck

Were tests performed? The missing enzyme is essential to regaining proper digestive function but there are additional holistic remedies that can be beneficial in conjunction with the enzyme replacement. The enzyme in most powders generally comes from pig or bovine pancreas. (I've never heard of rats being used...It would take A LOT of rats to fill one 12 oz. canister of powder!)

What supplement is your dog currently on? Have you tried feeding raw pancreas? Have you switched supplements or altered how much you are using?