weight loss in german shepherd with pancreatic enzyme deficancy?

Question

I have a shepherd who was diagnosed with pancreatic enzyme deficancy about 8 months ago, I have her diarreah under control, but I cant get the weight back on her, she cannot lose anymore weight because she has no more to lose, if anyone has any experience with this disorder please tell me what else to do aside from the enzyme replacement, I have had to put her on canned food because of the inability to digest dry, I was giving her 6-8 cans a day in 2 cans per feeding but she is not gaining an ounce, the can recommends 4 cans a day for a dog her size, thanks a million

i am giving her alpo, I would think that as much of it that i am giving her, it would have to be doing something, with the cost of the medication every month and now the extra cost of canned food on top of feeding my other dog, which I give purina one, also on the costlier side, this is a very expensive condition, and most of my check is going to rent and this disorder, so at this point in my life I cannot afford the more expensive food, also the vet told me those diets are too rich, this is the most frusterating disorder, she was just given to us so I have never had a chance to investigate her background. apparently this disorder is hereditary, thanks for the response

thanks for the advice on the raw diet, my problem is the medication is already costing me and arm and a leg and I cannot afford anything more expensive, when you get a puppy you do not plan on this happening!! this is the worst disorder and hard to control, i am considering the possiblity of having her put down, it is just hard to do, especially when she does not act ill, she still plays with my other shephard who is a year and a half, she is only 3, and still has joy in life, so it is tough to even think about throwing her in the car for that final trip to the vet, but i do not want to come home and find her dead either, it is a lose lose situation. what are good low fat, low fiber foods that would be available locally??

Answer 1

Scroll down to 'contact', and phone Marin Zacharias to discuss this. what she doesn't know about canine nutrition isn't worth knowing..She is very nice, and gave me permission to post her site here..She will also answer emails within the day.
http://www.naturalrearing.com/ She gives free advice, and her remedies are very reasonably priced.
She has never steered me wrong.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Alpo is not a good quality food to be feeding and that's probably why she's not gaining much weight. The number one ingredient in alpo (after the water) is corn. Corn is a natural laxative. So take into consideration that 85 to 90 percent of what you're feeding her, is a laxative.

Switch her food to something else. As far as a RAW diet being too expensive, in my experience it's much MUCH cheaper than wet canned food and not to mention, much healthier for your dog.

Definately skip the canned food--or at least find something made with meat and not dried processed corn. Blah. Switch to the raw diet (which should run you roughly $2 per day) and give it in a half/half ratio with a dry kibble (I suggest a lamb and rice kibble because this is easiest to digest). In her condition (regardless of age) a puppy kibble would be a smart idea too.

Answer 4

It is very difficult to get dogs to gain the weight back after losing it. I have this same problem with my dog. feed your dog a low fat low fiber diet. You wont find that in most commercial foods, since they are all basically fillers. There are some more natural alternatives out there.

I have been feeding my dog raw food combined with the enzymes (viokase-v) that my vet perscribed. If you want to go with a raw food diet for your dog I suggest you read read read. Also contact a local HOLISTIC veterinarian to help you with this! You can get the weight back on her. But you need to understand that you need to switch dog foods gradually otherwise you will be stressing her system too much.

good luck.

Answer 5

I have a dog named T-Bone and she means the world to me. So I can only imagine what you are going through. But I did find a site that might help you out some. http://www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/git-epi.htm
And also Try Flavorless Protein Whey you can find it at GNC and its in powder from so it can be easily mixed with her caned dog foods( its a hunch but it just might work)
God Bless, and I hope your dog puts on that weight.

Peace & Love,
Mrs. Hawkk

P.S.( I'll be praying for you and your dog, and keep your head up it will get better) PEACE

Answer 6

i personally don't think eating "breakfast" is important for weight loss. Eating a piece of fruit or a small salad could be a breakfast, or even drinking water with a banana. in my opinion, weight loss is about eating the right whole foods coupled with a decent amount of physical activitiy such as walking or something more strenuous.

Answer 7

muscle burns at least four times as many calories as fat does so try twenty minutes of strength straining two to three times a week

Answer 8

Try bringing her onto a schedule like most dogs, maybe in time, with the right vitamins and medications, she'll gain back her weight.

Answer 9

What type of food are you feeding? Canned food is 78% water by volume. I suggest you use a premium diet like science diet, pro plan, IVD, etc.. Ask your vet what he/she recommends.

Answer 10

soups can be both filling and comforting try making a garden or bean soup with low salt broth and store in portion sized cups for later