[sws_pullquote_center]We found that he has EPI, which is an all too common problem with GSDs’ digestion. They can’t digest the food correctly, hence the starvation. [/sws_pullquote_center]
Wayde was extremely emaciated, had a very dry coat. Though he was a white male GSD, he was yellow in appearance. Wayde had an odor to him that almost knocked you out. He was very thin and continued to have diarrhea and loose weight at the boarding facility. We worked with the kennel owner (herself a rescuer who loves GSDs) and we found that he has EPI, which is an all too common problem with GSDs’ digestion. They can’t digest the food correctly, hence the starvation and soft poops. This disorder is for life and he must have special food and enzymes to be able to help him gain weight. He also had a bacterial infection, which is common with EPI dogs.
Snoozing in his new beds in his foster home
Cuddled into a big poofy bed
Poor Wayde continued to lose weight though, even with the enzymes he was being given and the excellent care he was receiving from the owner of Sage Dawg Kennels. He was sad at the kennel and he has separation anxiety, so it was really tough for him. We tried for many months to find someone to foster him, but were unable to find the right fit. Wayde continued to loose weight, and was down to 54 lbs!
Finally, we contacted one of our adopters whose dog is also an EPI dog and fortunately, they agreed to foster for us! We were thrilled!! They were familiar with how to mix the enzymes/food for EPI dogs, and Wayde was so much happier to be in a home. He put on 2.3 lbs in his first week there! We all did a happy dance when that news came in.
