Your vet should do more testing for EPI. I have a female that has had it for 5 years now. She takes Viokase-V which is a pancreatic enzyme concentrate of porcine origin.
It has to be added to moistened food for digestion as these dogs are unable to digest. A diet low in protein, fat and fiber is also recommended for this disorder especially because they are unable to digest fat.
She also receives a B12 injection monthly for the disorder and is periodically put on an mild antibiotic to cleanse the colon as bacteria builds from the illness.
Google EPI and see what you think, sure sounds like it to me.
Feb 13, 2010 Rating
Satin Balls by: Anonymous
If he gets over his "runs" try Satin Balls! Just type it in and get the recipe it is amazing how shiny and beautiful it makes coats. It will put on weight fast so be careful!
Feb 01, 2010 Rating
Sensitive Stomach by: Anonymous
My GSD also has the same problem, he was very thin all the way to 5 months old due to loose stools. I did some research on line and discovered that GSD's are prone to this.
I also found a product called NatureVet Enzymes and Probiotics and it worked like a miracle. Now my dog is doing fine and actually a little overweight which can be a problem.
Is better for a GSD to stay on the thin side due to the Hip problem that they can develop. I'm feeding ProPlan Sensitive Stomach, tried all sorts of brands including prescription and did not worked.
Good Luck!
Jan 29, 2010 Rating
What a difference Probiotics make by: aj
My rescued GSD has been on Kirkland (Costco)chicken, rice, veg food and he too has a sensitive stomach (I understand GSD's have a short colon).
I decided to try people Probiotics which are chewable. Got 100 for $8.95 from Vitamin World.
I crush one and put it in his food with every meal and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! No more diarrhea for no reason or even loose stools. I see no reason to change to a dog probiotic.
Jan 25, 2010 Rating
GSDs have Delicate g.i. tracts by: Bette
Yes, GSDs do have sensitive systems. Recently, (three months ago) without consulting my vet because I knew he'd not agree, I studied up on Probiotics and got my 10 year old Beau some from mercola.com. (They have an excellent vet at the site and she might answer your question helpfully).
His stools are healthfully solid all the time now and he seems to feel better rather than sluggish and struggling to poop or suffering with periodic diarrhea.
I feed him Senior Innova kibble mixed with a little wet Innova. He's always been on excellent food and that's the main reason I think he's been as healthy as he has.
Jan 21, 2010 Rating
try grain free? by: wendy
Lucky guy to have found you! Many gsd's have sensitive tummies & can have sensitivities to corn & grain. My pup had diarhea for a long time before I switched to orijen large breed puppy. After the transition period was over the problem cleared up & he has nice firm stools now.
My 5 year old is also on orijen Regional Red & the difference in his coat, energy & stools are remarkable. I won't lie, it is pricey, but you do end up feeding less...it costs me about $2.16/day for the pup & $2.00 for the adult. Check out their website orijen.ca for more information about their product & retailers in your area. They also make Acana, which is a bit cheaper.
I respectfully diagree with your vet. Recommended amounts are for dogs who are at their ideal weight already. Yours is not, so I would feed him 3 or 4 small meals a day to encourage weight gain & decrease the risk of bloat from gulping down 1 or 2 larger meals.
Jan 08, 2010 Rating
dogfood by: Anonymous
My German Shepherd also had problems with diahrea all the time ever since he's been a puppy - I spent quite some time investigating all kinds of food. Then I started him on Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food 35 lb. Bag - you can go to Canidae.com to find a store near you that carries it- and within a few days the problem was gone!
He NEVER had it again ( I am serious!)- I have both my dogs on it and they are now 12 and 15 and are doing great... I believe in giving 'good' food, I know it's slightly more expensive, but it sure beats having your dogs suffer or buying all that medication. Maybe worth a try.
Shepherds have very 'delicate' stomachs, anyway. Good luck , I hope your dog gets better soon!
Jan 08, 2010 Rating
German Shepherd with diahrea by: Debbie
From the symptoms that you've described it sounds as though your GSD could have EPI.
And I would certainly have your vet test your dog for this. It can be treated but you have to get a final analysis that your dog does have this before you can get the replacement pancreatic enzymes that your dog will need if it does have EPI.