Terry Devine wrote 05/15/2006 10:02 AM Devastated #106616 - 05/15/2006 10:02 AM
Terry Devine Webboard User Reg: 03-30-2005 Posts: 240 Loc: Florida Offline	I have the sad task of waiting for the blood work to come back from the vet confirming whether or not "Koach" my 15 mos old GSD has EPI. I am afraid that with a positive result combined with what the vet terms a severe heart murmur that I will have to put him down. It is killing me that I have to do this to such a beautiful, intelligent, loving animal. It is going to really rough on my kids. Thanks to all of you who have helped with advice and information. When I know the results I will let everyone know. I am desperately hoping that it is not EPI, but deep down I am sure of it. Terry Treat them like they are animals. Train them like they are animals. Love them like they are people.
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Connie Sutherland wrote 05/15/2006 10:07 AM Re: Devastated [Re: Terry Devine ] #106617 - 05/15/2006 10:07 AM
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005 Posts: 31571 Loc: North-Central coast of California Offline	Quote: I have the sad task of waiting for the blood work to come back from the vet confirming whether or not "Koach" my 15 mos old GSD has EPI. I am afraid that with a positive result combined with what the vet terms a severe heart murmur that I will have to put him down. It is killing me that I have to do this to such a beautiful, intelligent, loving animal. It is going to really rough on my kids. Thanks to all of you who have helped with advice and information. When I know the results I will let everyone know. I am desperately hoping that it is not EPI, but deep down I am sure of it.....Terry I hope with you. If it is, you'll know the right thing to do, and whichever it is, you'll be doing what you know is best for the dog. I'm so sorry.
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Martin Espericueta wrote 05/15/2006 10:28 AM Re: Devastated [Re: Terry Devine ] #106618 - 05/15/2006 10:28 AM
Martin Espericueta Webboard User Reg: 02-07-2006 Posts: 109 Loc: Central Valley, CA, USA Offline	Quote: I have the sad task of waiting for the blood work to come back from the vet confirming whether or not "Koach" my 15 mos old GSD has EPI. I am afraid that with a positive result combined with what the vet terms a severe heart murmur that I will have to put him down. It is killing me that I have to do this to such a beautiful, intelligent, loving animal. It is going to really rough on my kids. Thanks to all of you who have helped with advice and information. When I know the results I will let everyone know. I am desperately hoping that it is not EPI, but deep down I am sure of it. Terry Hey Terry, My thoughts and prayers are w/you and your family. I know from experience what it feels like, and the effect it has on your kids, when you have to put down your dog, who's a family member themselves. Here's to praying it's NOT EPI! God Bless, Martin Schatzie!
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Bob Scott wrote 05/15/2006 10:41 AM Re: Devastated [Re: Terry Devine ] #106619 - 05/15/2006 10:41 AM
Bob Scott Moderator Reg: 06-14-2002 Posts: 7417 Loc: St. Louis Mo Offline	My prayers and best wishes are with you. old dogs LOVE to learn new tricks
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Terry Devine wrote 05/15/2006 11:24 AM Re: Devastated [Re: Bob Scott ] #106620 - 05/15/2006 11:24 AM
Terry Devine Webboard User Reg: 03-30-2005 Posts: 240 Loc: Florida Offline	Thank You to everyone. I never knew how tough this could be. He is a birthday gift from my wife and it hurts so bad to see he soooooo skinny and having to make this decision Terry Treat them like they are animals. Train them like they are animals. Love them like they are people.
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Michael Lanting wrote 05/15/2006 11:29 AM Re: Devastated [Re: Terry Devine ] #106621 - 05/15/2006 11:29 AM
Michael Lanting Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2006 Posts: 13 Loc: Offline	My understanding of EPI is that it is not a death sentence, unless it is very progressed. Many dogs have it, and you simply take great care in the diet from now on (feed enzymes). I would never want to see a dog that is affected by EPI used for breeding, but many dogs with EPI do live good lives as a pets.
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Beth Fuqua wrote 05/15/2006 11:36 AM Re: Devastated [Re: Michael Lanting ] #106622 - 05/15/2006 11:36 AM
Beth Fuqua Webboard User Reg: 02-25-2004 Posts: 559 Loc: Joliet, IL Offline	Terry, I am so sorry that you are going through this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Beth http://www.JolietSchutzhund.com
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Anne Jones wrote 05/15/2006 11:54 AM Re: Devastated [Re: Beth Fuqua ] #106623 - 05/15/2006 11:54 AM
Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004 Posts: 3825 Loc: Northeast Offline	My thoughts & prayers are with you...you will know the right thing to do when & if you have to make that decision. MY DOGS...MY RULES
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Terry Devine wrote 05/15/2006 01:47 PM Re: Devastated [Re: Michael Lanting ] #106624 - 05/15/2006 01:47 PM
Terry Devine Webboard User Reg: 03-30-2005 Posts: 240 Loc: Florida Offline	Michael You are correct in your assumption about EPI not being a death sentence. My understanding is that it is quite expensive to treat EPI and that treatment is life long. Koach also has a severe heart murmur and my vet believes it is a quality of life decision. I am still waiting on the lab results and fully intend to consult with another vet. I have spoken with several dog people already and they all agree that with what we know at this time it is in the dogs best interest. I am still holding out hope and greatly appreciate the support and kind words of encouragement. Thank You all for the PM's as well. Terry Treat them like they are animals. Train them like they are animals. Love them like they are people.
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Jack Sherck wrote 05/15/2006 03:49 PM Re: Devastated [Re: Terry Devine ] #106625 - 05/15/2006 03:49 PM
Jack Sherck Webboard User Reg: 03-21-2005 Posts: 28 Loc: Offline	EPI is not a big deal, I had a German Shepherd that had EPI, he lived a long and extremely strong seven years until he died from cancer. At seven years old, the dog had more drive than you could ever imagine. It's almost like he never even aged. He lived his 7+ to the fullest, and if I had it to do all over again I would gladly do so. The cost of the medicine is a little over $100 a bottle, a bottle will last you three months ($30/mo.). Personally, I recommend Pancreved if EPI is the diagnosis. Other than the incremental cost, it's not really an issue. Lastly, always get a second opinion from another vet, regarding the murmur, etc.
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