There are Pancreatic Enzyme Deficiencies in German Shepherds.
There is an upside-down, V-shaped organ located near the stomach and small intestine.The exocrine pancreas is a part of the body that makes food break down.If the exocrine pancreas stops working, there can be a deficiency in it.German Shepherds are prone to developing the illness.If your German Shepherd has been diagnosed with EPI, veterinary care will be required.
Step 1: Follow your doctor's treatment advice.
The vet will perform a blood test to diagnose the disease.Adding a supplement to your German Shepherd's diet will be recommended by your vet if the test results are positive.The best way to improve your German Shepherd's health is with the use of Enzyme Supplementation.Trypsin is produced by the pancreas.The inactive form of trypsin is measured by the TLI test.There are low levels of each substance.
Step 2: There is a powder supplement for the pontiac.
Pancreatic enzyme supplements are available in powder and tablets.The powder has a higher concentration of the pheeler than the tablets, so it's the preferred choice.If you want your German Shepherd to get better, you need to give him enough enzyme to break the tablets down.The gel-coated capsules are not very effective.The name of the supplement is viokase-V.You will need to purchase it from your vet.
Step 3: You can mix the powder with your dog's food.
The dose of the supplement is equivalent to 20 kilograms of body weight.Add this amount to your food.The powder can cause ulcerations on the inside of your German Shepherd's mouth, so mix it well.At each meal time, mix the powder with your German Shepherd's food.You don't need to warm the powder up.If your dog only eats dry food, add a small amount of water to the food to make it easier to mix in the powder.
Step 4: An improvement in clinical signs can be seen.
Large volumes of soft, yellow-looking feces are a common sign of EPI in a German Shepherd.Within the first week of treatment, your German Shepherd should begin to improve.Even if your German Shepherd regains some weight, it may not regain all of the lost weight.Your vet will reduce the dose of the powder as the German Shepherd's symptoms improve.Once your vet prescribes the lowest dose of powder, it will still be effective.There is treatment for Epi for the rest of your life.You will need to treat your dog for the rest of its life even though you will see improvement soon after treatment.
Step 5: Ask your vet if you should give your dog an antacid.
A large amount of the enzyme gets eaten in the stomach when your German Shepherd eats the powder.Enough of the enzyme is needed to effectively treat the disease.A way to prevent stomach acid from breaking down is to use antacids.Your vet may not recommend antacids because they have not shown clear benefit.
Step 6: Use caution when using fresh pancreas.
Pancreatic powder is expensive.The less expensive option is fresh, raw pancreas that comes from either a pig or cow.The fresh pancreas should come from animals that are free of disease that can be transferred between animals.13 ounces of fresh pancreas is equivalent to a quarter of an ounce of powder.Purchase a food scale to make sure you add the right amount to your German Shepherd's food.You should not cook the pancreas since it would make your German Shepherd less able to digest food.The fresh pancreas can be frozen for several months.You don't need to warm up the pancreas with your German Shepherd's food.Talk to your vet about where you can get fresh pancreas.Continue with the powder enzyme supplement if you are concerned about the risk of disease.
Step 7: Your vet will give you the injections.
EPI can lead to a deficiency of vitamins B12 and B6 in addition to causing an enzyme deficiency.There is a deficiency when there is overgrowth in the gut.The'steal' of the nutrients is caused by thesebacteria.To correct the deficiency, your vet would give your German Shepherd weekly injections of B12 for 3 months.Your vet will take a blood sample to measure the amount of B12 in your dog's blood.It is not known if a vitamin B12 deficiency affects a dog.Your German Shepherd's vet will determine if B12 is needed.
Step 8: The German Shepherd needs antibiotics.
If your German Shepherd's gut can't properly absorb food, it will cause a problem.If your German Shepherd continues to have a bad appetite, it's probably due to the bacterium.An antibiotic will be prescribed by your vet.The German Shepherd can be on the antibiotic for up to 6 weeks.
Step 9: Discuss changes in diet with your vet.
A low-fat, highly absorbable diet used to be recommended for dogs with this condition.A low-fat diet would make it hard for your German Shepherd to absorb fat.This could cause deficiencies of vitamins A, E, and K.If your German Shepherd isn't gaining weight, a low-fiber diet may help.Most dogs don't need a diet change.Talk with your vet before making any changes to your German Shepherd diet.