Does anyone know if EPI and seizures are related? Our dog was recently dx with EPI and we should get his Panakare Plus delivered today (PLEASE LET THIS BE THE ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS!)
I have been noticing his head kind of wobbling from side to side(very, very suttle)and doesn't last long. At first I thought maybe he had an itch on his chin or the carpet was bothering him. I now think he may be having petit mal seizures. Does anyone know if there is a connection between EPI and seizures?
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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I have read up on EPI quite a bit and no, never saw anything about seizures. But I will re-look tonight and search for seizures and let you know if I find anything.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is the non-production of enzymes needed to digest food by the acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas. How was EPI diagnosed in your dog?
It was dx by lab work and stool cultures..twice just to make sure. After they told me the dx and I read about it on the internet; it described him to a tee. I went on epi4dogs.com and even the pictures of the dogs look like him. He is a bit heavier though since we caught it early. He is a 10 month old Akita weighing 78 lbs. We are going to the vet today for another weight check and I will ask the Vet about the seizures. However; I've learned more about this condition on the internet than from my vet so I thought I would ask if anyone knew if there was a relationship between EPI and seizures. He was put on Hills ID and we have had no luck with that.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Have you tried a straightforward high-quality, high-efficiency raw diet? Or THK with RMBs? (THK with RMBs is a nice and simple, very high-quality way to bridge from kibble to fresh raw food, and is also a fine long-term diet.)
The most successful EPI stories we see here and elsewhere have generally involved trying several variations of very good real food with the enzyme supplement and going with the food that works best for the individual dog. My first thing would be fresh food. (I/we would be happy to help you develop trial diets.)
Also, do you know about medium-chain-triglycerides, which are easier for some dogs with EPI to digest? Some material shows that digestion of MCT fats in dogs with EPI is reduced only by about 25%, while digestion of long chain triglycerides (LCTs) is reduced by about 95%.
Have you read the always-excellent Mary Strauss on EPI?
Jeff Brosius Webboard User Reg: 07-10-2007
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Quote: Connie Sutherland
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is the non-production of enzymes needed to digest food by the acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas. How was EPI diagnosed in your dog?
Disclaimer: NOT a Veterinarian. At all. Not. Even. Close. I'm a washed up, has-been, retired flight paramedic who hasn't treated a patient for 18 months.
That said, I'd like to know exactly what enzymes are deficient/lacking with EPI. In humans, I can see where the lack of some digestive enzymes COULD lead to various electrolyte imbalances, and those electrolyte imbalances COULD cause seizure like activity.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Quote: Jeff Brosius
... That said, I'd like to know exactly what enzymes are deficient/lacking with EPI. ... In humans, I can see where the lack of some digestive enzymes COULD lead to various electrolyte imbalances, and those electrolyte imbalances COULD cause seizure like activity.
Very interesting thought!
They are lipase (needed to digest fats/oils), protease (needed to digest proteins), and amylase (needed to digest carbohydrates).
Jeff's suggestion of an electrolyte imbalance is very interesting and continuing with that thought the OP might want to check the dog for nystagmus -(she mentioned the head slightly wobbling side to side). If the EPI contributes to an electrolyte imbalance it might be something to check (electrolyte imbalance affecting the perilymph in the inner ear etc)...
Just a thought...
Hi Tammy,
Fingers crossed you get the results you're looking for from the Panakare Plus.
Disclaimer: Connie is not a vet but I have my vet asking me what does Connie think about Thor's diet . Her advice has always been dead on for me, though I always keep my vet in the loop.
I've participated in the White Shepherd's Genetics project and have not found EPI affected dogs also having seizures. I've included a couple of links that you can use to compare if there are any siblings/parents/grandparents etc involved in the two.
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EPI and seizures?
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. Her advice has always been dead on for me, though I always keep my vet in the loop. 
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