Recurring Diarrhea, Affordable Probiotic, Enzymes?

[Julie and Eleanor (GA)]

Hello all. I used to post on FDMB but stopped because my ancient computer quit being able to open my SS, no $ to buy another and I am a semi invalid and can't get to a public computer regularly.

About a year ago Eleanor started having occasional diarrhea for a day. She was diagnosed with Pancreatitis and I thought the two were related.

A couple weeks ago she had watery diarrhea and quit eating. Vet put her on Metronidazole 25mg 2x a day.
Her stool improved, but now, after 10 days on the Metronidazole she is back where she started with watery diarrhea and I had to force feed this morning.

Vet says he has to makes tests. I simply do not have the $$ for x-ray, ultrasound, biopsy or allergy testing.

I searched FDMB for similar posts and am now looking for an affordable Probiotic, does anyone know of one? The ones I'm seeing are made from dairy.
Also looking for a good, affordable digestive enzyme.

She eats primarily FF Turkey and Giblets and I am wondering about food allergy.

I'm very discouraged and desparate because I have NO money but there's no way I'm going to quit or give up on Eleanor!
Any info on the Probiotics or digestive enzymes or just moral support would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[BJM]

Some possibilities include Forti Flora, Intelliflora, or a teaspoon of plain yogurt with active cultures.

Sometimes pancreatitis damages the cells that are responsible for producing digestive enzymes (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or EPI). If the stool is foul smelling, grayish, and voluminous, it is possible that this is the cause. Something to discuss with your vet is treating as if EPI exists.

 

[Critter Mom]

HI Julie,

I'm sorry to hear about Eleanor's diarrhoea and I really, really feel for your predicament. I was in a similar situation a few years ago when Saoirse needed treatment for a stress-related UTI. I barely got through that. God only knows what I'd have done if she had been diagnosed with the diabetes and pancreatitis at that time. :YMHUG:

When Saoirse had runny diarrhoea a few months back, our vet prescribed a product called Pro-Kolin. It's a kaolin paste combined with a probiotic. It didn't resolve the diarrhoea completely, but she went from everything running straight through her to loose-ish stools. Maybe a similar product may be available where you are.

I found that feeding her a grain-free, chicken/poultry-based food helped. I tend to look for ones that don't have a strong smell. Anything with salmon oil upsets her.

I don't know whether or not something like slippery elm might help to soothe the digestive tract. I've never tried it. Maybe other members might have experience of using it.

I really hope that Eleanor feels better soon. cat_pet_icon