Chronic Pancreatitis with Food Allergies

[BlissfulSandy]

I need help and can't find answer for my 4 yr old Greyhound whom is suffering from Chronic Pancreatitis (she has had Plus Profile with Triglycerides, GI Panel with Spec cPL, Idexx Blood work).  

Vesa also has chronic Hook worm since I adopted her August 2019.  Vesa is a Petite Red Grey, she is losing some weight.  She has chronic diarrhea and occasionally vomits.  She also has chicken allergies along with psyllium husk peanut butter, possibly dairy and does not respond well with green peas, all legumes, corn, soy, Salmon, Buffalo , high Fat meats.  She is extremely sensitive and has not responded to kibble of any kind.  Royal Canine, Hills, Purina Pro, Natures, Naturals, Sport Elite, etc all one or more the the ingredients that she cannot tolerate. 

 Vesa is currently on Metronidazole most of her life since I have had her and Tylan everyday as well.  She is eating 3 meals a day when not in full blown diarrhea and given small amounts of Wellness Turkey and Potatoes which also has pea meal in it I cook Turkey Breast boiled or Roasted, and grind it up.  She is given Sweet Potatoes, over cooked mashed green beans, and broccoli .  Her stools are very loose and she has major anal gland problems.  Since I have been cooking Turkey  for the last month I am noticing some pink blistering looking skin  her Left Hock and Both Carpus.....front legs. Her left ear is constantly itchy along with her anus.  Vesa is on Pet Factor B12 along with Folate.

I am thinking of trying Venison..if I can find a clean kibble without corn, soy, legumes, green peas, meat meal, chicken or high fat additives.  

I am in touch with a Nutritionist from Georgia University, he mentioned probiotics which can be difficult with Pancreatitis, I have tried Greyhound Gang Probiotics and they bother her.  Probiotics may work.  He also mentioned My Pet GrocerChef's Canine Complete...it also has Garbanzo beans.  Balanceit.com has Corn oil.  I can substitute for walnut oil.

I am open to all suggestions, and or experiences with your greyhound.  Thank you so much

Is there are Vitamin mineral Supplement without legumes, corn, soy, wheat?

I am in touch with EPI4dogs.com which is an exceptional site, and EnzymeDiane.com.  

Hookworm:   Drontal Plus, Panacur, Heartgaurd, Advantage Multi, Fecal Tests

Sincerely,

Sandy, Naples, FL

[Time4ANap]

Making constant changes to the diet/food will often result in continued diarrhea. We had a boy who had stress colitis and went through this kind of thing often, so know that it is frustrating and can make you feel helpless. Be sure to only make one change at a time and to give that change a couple of weeks before making another or adding something new.  The hookworms are most likely a major part of the stomach/diarrhea issue, so getting them under control is the big priority to fully understand just how significant the rest of the issues are. 

Check the hookworm thread in Health and Medical and talk to your vet about using the protocol mentioned, or possibly modifying using Dr. Ng's modified protocol by stretching out the intervals between doses since she does have some underlying medical issues. 

 Both of our new hounds had wicked hooks, and both have responded well to modifying the protocol since they are 11 year old seniors and I didn't want to throw high doses of the drugs in them like the original protocol called for. We basically give each dog a Drontal Plus on the first of the month, followed by using Advantage Multi on the 15th and repeat this cycle monthly.  So, far, it has eradicated the hookworms in Petunia over about a 6 month period, and Kate currently has tested to have no hookworm eggs but is still positive for the titre after her 6 month check. It can take 6 months to a year to eradicate the current breed of hookworms that are prevalent. 

You might look into the RX Brand of Products to help the stomach issues, but I am not familiar with what's in them, so you will have to do that research.  We use both RxZyme and RxBiotic on their food at each meal. It rapidly calmed the diarrhea we were having from the hookworms. They make several other products also, but these two were suggested by our vet.  They can be bought on Amazon, and even though they have Rx in the name, they do not require a prescription.  

Soneone else will have to chime in on the food, as you've tried many of the foods we would have tried, and I;m not sure there's a prescription food out there that will meet the allergy needs.   Good luck. 

[BlissfulSandy]

17 minutes ago, Time4ANap said:

Making constant changes to the diet/food will often result in continued diarrhea. We had a boy who had stress colitis and went through this kind of thing often, so know that it is frustrating and can make you feel helpless. Be sure to only make one change at a time and to give that change a couple of weeks before making another or adding something new.  The hookworms are most likely a major part of the stomach/diarrhea issue, so getting them under control is the big priority to fully understand just how significant the rest of the issues are. 

Check the hookworm thread in Health and Medical and talk to your vet about using the protocol mentioned, or possibly modifying using Dr. Ng's modified protocol by stretching out the intervals between doses since she does have some underlying medical issues. 

 Both of our new hounds had wicked hooks, and both have responded well to modifying the protocol since they are 11 year old seniors and I didn't want to throw high doses of the drugs in them like the original protocol called for. We basically give each dog a Drontal Plus on the first of the month, followed by using Advantage Multi on the 15th and repeat this cycle monthly.  So, far, it has eradicated the hookworms in Petunia over about a 6 month period, and Kate currently has tested to have no hookworm eggs but is still positive for the titre after her 6 month check. It can take 6 months to a year to eradicate the current breed of hookworms that are prevalent. 

You might look into the RX Brand of Products to help the stomach issues, but I am not familiar with what's in them, so you will have to do that research.  We use both RxZyme and RxBiotic on their food at each meal. It rapidly calmed the diarrhea we were having from the hookworms. They make several other products also, but these two were suggested by our vet.  They can be bought on Amazon, and even though they have Rx in the name, they do not require a prescription.  

Soneone else will have to chime in on the food, as you've tried many of the foods we would have tried, and I;m not sure there's a prescription food out there that will meet the allergy needs.   Good luck. 

Thank you for taking the time to help, I really appreciate it.  Vesa's Diest is changed extremely slow and 1 item at a time, whether it is a veggie, starch, organ, or protein, or kibble.  Nothing is ever hard and quick, we go slow and easy for any food changes even if it is a slight increase and measure in grams. It really is a trail and error or a crapshoot to say the least.  Some dogs do great with low fiber...others not so well.  So do great with Lamb, or other heavy red meat..others not so great.  ayes Hookworms are little intestinal sap suckers that come back to haunt.  Her test show negative, but we keep treating them since we know that hookworms hibernate inside the intestinal walls. Florida dog track greyhounds are loaded with them.  That is why I won't Foster. I do use Diatomaceous Earth, and Vesa won't eliminate in our yard...have to carry a sprayer with me. Drontal Plus gives her rapid heart beat, illuminations, extreme stress and sleeplessness, but we used it, but I will not do it again to her.  I googles RX Vitamins Nutritional Support and it contains Salmon Meal and  Flaxseed Meal which isn't workable for my little girl, but thank you, I did  recognize the brand as I was searching this morning..it is used by many Holistic vets.  Very good Source, thank you.RX Zyme may work..I have to explore more and locate the enzyme percentages.

Thank you for all your help, much appreciation,

Sandy

Naples, FL

 

[Time4ANap]

1 hour ago, BlissfulSandy said:

Thank you for taking the time to help, I really appreciate it.  Vesa's Diest is changed extremely slow and 1 item at a time, whether it is a veggie, starch, organ, or protein, or kibble.  Nothing is ever hard and quick, we go slow and easy for any food changes even if it is a slight increase and measure in grams. It really is a trail and error or a crapshoot to say the least.  Some dogs do great with low fiber...others not so well.  So do great with Lamb, or other heavy red meat..others not so great.  ayes Hookworms are little intestinal sap suckers that come back to haunt.  Her test show negative, but we keep treating them since we know that hookworms hibernate inside the intestinal walls. Florida dog track greyhounds are loaded with them.  That is why I won't Foster. I do use Diatomaceous Earth, and Vesa won't eliminate in our yard...have to carry a sprayer with me. Drontal Plus gives her rapid heart beat, illuminations, extreme stress and sleeplessness, but we used it, but I will not do it again to her.  I googles RX Vitamins Nutritional Support and it contains Salmon Meal and  Flaxseed Meal which isn't workable for my little girl, but thank you, I did  recognize the brand as I was searching this morning..it is used by many Holistic vets.  Very good Source, thank you.RX Zyme may work..I have to explore more and locate the enzyme percentages.

Thank you for all your help, much appreciation,

Sandy

Naples, FL

 

I figured you were going slow with the changes given her sensitivities, but we often get people here who are throwing 3 and 4 things at a time at a dog's stomach so I always make sure to mention it.  Every new greyhound seems to be  loaded with hooks, no matter where they came from.  Our broodies came straight from the farm and one of them was so loaded that I'm surprised she was alive. She is a tough girl though and got through it. 

Good luck. Tummy issues are never easy with these guys, and with allergies compounding it you have your hands full. 

[BlissfulSandy]

2 minutes ago, Time4ANap said:

I figured you were going slow with the changes given her sensitivities, but we often get people here who are throwing 3 and 4 things at a time at a dog's stomach so I always make sure to mention it.  Every new greyhound seems to be  loaded with hooks, no matter where they came from.  Our broodies came straight from the farm and one of them was so loaded that I'm surprised she was alive. She is a tough girl though and got through it. 

Good luck. Tummy issues are never easy with these guys, and with allergies compounding it you have your hands full. 

Thank you Time4ANap, you are so kind, and I understand. I really am overwhelmed and will try to work with the Vet at Georgia University.  It's just strange that they send me product ideas with the foods she can't have.  Must be a consultation protocol letter they send to everyone in the beginning, which doesn't really make sense..one size never fits all for dogs or people.  Truly I am learning, and thank you for the love and care!  I do want another Grey asap, but it's not a good idea right now, not until I get her under control for many months!  She is a sweetheart too. And a great racer at that.  I haven't seen her run in a week or so.  Poor little girl.  The vet said to go to www.visbiome.com to get probiotics so I am working on that now. 

Many roos to you!

BlissfulSandy

[Hubcitypam]

Poodle had pancreatitis' and did very well for several years on Natural Balance Ultra Light.  Their Fat  Ddog might also be an option.
 

[greysmom]

How have you determined that she can't tolerate all those foods?  Because a hook infestation can certainly look like pancreatitis.  And if it has gone on long enough, hooks can destroy the lining of their intestines.  If she doesn't react well to worming pills you can try the Proheart shots, which I have been using on my dogs for over a year now with no problems.  You simply must be absolutely sure the hooks are gone before you can effectively deal with any food issues.

For what it's worth, you need to find something that she can eat and stick with it for a while, and stop changing things around.  One unique protein source - venison, white fish, rabbit, whatever she can eat.  And one carb source that is a whole grain - overcooked rice or pasta, oatmeal, barley, any other whole grain.  Even if you need to home cook for a few months and not feed *any* commercial food, her system needs time to settle.  The only way to effectively find out what she has trouble with is a very strict food trial.

Have you tried prescription hydrolized foods?

Fast her for 24 hours, or until the diarrhea stops.  Then introduce a *small* portion of bland food - a 1/4 cup or less of protein and carb - every 2 hours.  If the diarrhea begins again, stop feeding that combo.

If the vet at Georgia isn't offering things that help, find another nutrition specialist.  I would suggest a second (third?? fourth??) opinion from an internal specialist, too.   You may have something much more serious going on.

[BlissfulSandy]

On 6/29/2020 at 3:40 PM, Time4ANap said:

I figured you were going slow with the changes given her sensitivities, but we often get people here who are throwing 3 and 4 things at a time at a dog's stomach so I always make sure to mention it.  Every new greyhound seems to be  loaded with hooks, no matter where they came from.  Our broodies came straight from the farm and one of them was so loaded that I'm surprised she was alive. She is a tough girl though and got through it. 

Good luck. Tummy issues are never easy with these guys, and with allergies compounding it you have your hands full. 

Oh you ain't kidding, the Hook and the GI issues are tough ones to crack.  It would be a blessing to get rid the Larval leak NOW! I haven't tried Hypoallergenic/Hydrolyzed yet since my researched showed me it either has soy, chickpeas, or split pea products...not digestible for my little girl with so many issues.Yes....No switching things around at all, but I am wondering if she has a Turkey allergy now..(or n=may have had one) since she is getting sore pink spots with a black center on all her hocks and Carpus...front leg/back ankles.  I wish I had a ll the answers, this is so overwhelming.  I will keep onwards for the love!

Cooking lots of Turkey Breast these days.  Do you use a vitamin mineral supplement?  I was recommenced Mypetgroce.com and ordered it, but there aren't are specific details of what is in it.  I mentioned to the Dr. about the chickpeas...he said it has helped many canines. 

Your Grey's are so pretty!💕 Thank you for your help TIme4ANap!. 

BlissfulSandy

[Time4ANap]

1 hour ago, BlissfulSandy said:

Oh you ain't kidding, the Hook and the GI issues are tough ones to crack.  It would be a blessing to get rid the Larval leak NOW! I haven't tried Hypoallergenic/Hydrolyzed yet since my researched showed me it either has soy, chickpeas, or split pea products...not digestible for my little girl with so many issues.Yes....No switching things around at all, but I am wondering if she has a Turkey allergy now..(or n=may have had one) since she is getting sore pink spots with a black center on all her hocks and Carpus...front leg/back ankles.  I wish I had a ll the answers, this is so overwhelming.  I will keep onwards for the love!

Cooking lots of Turkey Breast these days.  Do you use a vitamin mineral supplement?  I was recommenced Mypetgroce.com and ordered it, but there aren't are specific details of what is in it.  I mentioned to the Dr. about the chickpeas...he said it has helped many canines. 

Your Grey's are so pretty!💕 Thank you for your help TIme4ANap!. 

BlissfulSandy

With everything your hound has going on, you might want to think about doing a consult with Dr. Cuoto or having your vet consult with him if you are reaching a point of figuring out next steps.  He ran the greyhound medical program at Ohio State for many years and may be able to add some insight or give you some more logical next steps. He has worked extensively with greys with various cancers, but also greys with just about any unique medical issue. He does his consults remotely and will work with any vet as well. There is a fee for his time but we found it very reasonable when we ran into things our vet couldn't explain or resolve. Cuoto Veterinary Consultants.  Dr. C has worked with thousands if not tens of thousands of greyhounds.  If you are okay for now, keep his info in mind if you need him at any point down the road. 

As far as vitamins, we've always used Springtime products based on the experience of many others here.  We use their Fresh Factors and Joint Health Chewables.  I'm not sure if everything in them is listed on the container, but if you call the people at Springtime and clue them in to the allergies and restrictions, they will get you the answer regarding any of their products and your dog's ability to use it safely or not. They are great to deal with. 

Good luck and hang in there! Give some ear rubs to your girl from us. 

[BlissfulSandy]

Thank you Time4ANap, I am very grateful for your help.  Oh Darn, Dr. C sounds perfect for us. How I wish I would asked on this forum sooner. 

Unfortunately, I reached out to a Vet at the University of GA Teaching Hospital whom was highly recommenced by my vet.  Big Bucks TIme4ANap, $465,  (and for any further recipes more changes ...big bucks) or one meal recipe (in which I was already using the same ingredients). I am not happy about it, but I am trying his recipe measuring in grams, increased Sweet potatoes to 3 cups a day, and lowered Vesa's greens. She is very hungry on this diet, and afraid she will continue to lose more weight.  Her metabolism runs fast and hard.  She is not a fussy eater, and can handle the nasty Tylan in 2 of her meals without a flinch. I have to give her a bit more protein if she is starring at me starving, the vet said that is ok, so I give her a little turkey breast before bedtime with he Metronidazole and she is happy.

The vet recommended MyPetGrocer vitamin supplements  http://www.mypetgrocer.com/category-s/102.htm I didn't want to ordered them because of the garbanzo beans, but I have to try.  Sometimes you just get gut feelings, but in this case I have to set those aside and push through and not take any chances, do the program.

I also have to order the probiotic that he recommends which is https://visbiomevet.com. I can wait a couple of weeks since Vesa has to be very stable to slowly add this in.   I have tried Greyhound Gang's and other great probiotics (small amounts and slow), but Vesa doesn't respond well to them, and from what I read on EPI4dogs.com not all canines with pancreatitis can handle them, but perhaps PREBIOTICS! ...which helps pancreas digest proteins, cabs and fats. We shall see. 

I will keep all of this information TIme4ANap and I will look into it. Actually I googled it, and bookmarked it, so  Thank you so much I really appreciate it. Better get my poached turkey  breast in the food processor! 

Many Roos,

Blissful Sandy

[cleptogrey]

I have had not one but 3 dogs who lived on white rice. My saluki survived Parvo and it totally wrecked his intenstines. My Scottie had addisons which ultimately did his kidneys in. Rather than $$$ kd diet I served white rice. My GH Felix had pancreatitis and Lyme and anaplasmosis  and kidney disease. No fat for him just lots of carbs. A rice!cooker or instapot will be your best friend.  Remember dogs ate table scraps or limited diets for generations. Of course It's technically best to feed a balanced diet. Sometimes it just isn't written in the stars.