Re: Am I A Crazy Dog Lady??

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

On 1/9/2015 Gracies Mom said:
*NickNack* Thank you telling me about Proviable--do the ingredients say it has amylase and lipase in it? Those are the enzymes that Gracie's vet wants her to take--I don't have the exact name of the brand--the bottle is downstairs and I recently had foot surgery, so I can't go up & down the stairs too much--but I think the brand stared with an "E". No matter--as long as your enzymes work for Nick, that's good--and that he likes the flavor, too--wonderful!! The enzymes that Gracie needs has to be mixed with water into her food, then let it sit for ten minutes--and then feed it. The enzymes start digesting the food before it gets into her system--so her pancreas doesn't have to work as hard to break the food down--that's basically it--the vet tells me it's not a drug--just more of the enzymes that Gracie needs--possibly it could thwart another acute bout of pancreatitis (maybe).

I'm glad you understand my hesitation to start the enzymes--the vet and his staff don't see it my way. I really should take Gracie for a second opinion, but money is very tight and I cannot afford to do that now.

Sorry that you lost your King Charles Spaniels to cancer--and yes, it is interesting that both of us had dogs with heart troubles that succumbed to cancer and not the heart.

Enjoy the weekend, NickNack--hope it's not bitter cold where you are, like it is where I live!

God Bless,

GraciesMom

GraciesMom, The Proviable doesn't have those two ingredients. It's mainly to help firm loose stools. It says that it coats and soothes the G.I. tract to help to support normal intestinal function. I don't think you need a second opinion re: Gracie. It sounds like your vet is following normal protocol for her condition. Still, you need to do what you feel comfortable doing re: her treatment. Are the enzymes that he wants you to give her supposed to taste good? I didn't expect Nick to like the Proviable either, but he loves it.

It's 35 degrees here right now, but yesterday morning it was 6 degrees when I got up. The wind has been blowing a lot today, too, making it feel much colder.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

Gracies Mom · ‎04-25-2011

*NickNack* I tried posting a long message to you, but I couldn't submit it---this site wouldn't take it---so frustrating!!!

The name of the pancreatic enzyme the vet recommended my giving to Gracie is called Epizyme--it is made of pig pancreas. Since Gracie has sensitivities to all foods but chicken, duck and rice--having her eat anything with pig in it might be a problem. Yes, this enzyme is supposed to taste good to dogs--so it says in the insert. It also says that this enzyme stops diarrhea/gas/weight loss caused by pancreatic insufficiency. Gracie has none of those things going on, except for the rise in her pancreatic enzymes due to the bout of acute pancreatitis she had in late September. My husband & I discussed Gracie last night--we decided not to give her anything for now since she's doing so well. Also, I checked on the price of Epizyme--I've seen it go for $153 for 12 oz of powder--to $109 for the same amount. I'd have to shop around for the best price if we changed our minds. I don't know how long 12 oz would last--dogs get 3/4-1 tsp per meal--two meals a day are recommended. Yes, I agree with you--our vet is probably following protocol for Gracie's condition--but not all dogs are the same--I think treatment should be based on the individual dog and not the thought that what's good for one is good for all.

Hope you are having a pleasant weekend--even though it's bitter cold outside!!

God Bless,

GraciesMom

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

GraciesMom, your reasoning for not giving Gracie the enzymes sounds good. I would worry about her eating something with pig in with her food sensitivities, too.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau