Vitamin B12 (also known as Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin) plays an important role in proper canine digestion and a significant percentage of EPI dogs do not have adequate B12 levels. Whether or not this is a specific genetic component of the disorder is not fully understood, but pets with EPI are known to sometimes lack other vitamins such as A, D, E and K (to a lesser extent).
Some potential signs of B12 deficiency in dogs include excessive weight loss, loose stools, continued lack of appetite, extreme increase of appetite, unwillingness to play and/or appearing lethargic. These symptoms can also occur in stable EPI Dogs despite being adequately supplemented with pancreatic enzymes.
If low Vitamin B12 levels are not corrected, there is a strong chance the dog will not return to full, optimal health. If B12 levels are left in the lower ranges, many EPI dogs can regress and again exhibit early EPI symptoms such as soft stools, etc.
If you are concerned that your dog may be showing symptoms of low Vitamin B12, it is recommended that you have your veterinarian perform a fasting blood test to evaluate your dog’s B12 levels. Folate levels are also tested as part of the B12 test and high Folate levels may indicate the presence of SID/SIBO in the dog which may require antibiotics if the use of pancreatic enzymes alone does not address the GI infection. The blood sample is usually sent to Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine for testing.
Since many EPI dogs are low in B12, it is likely your dog will require B12 supplementation for life, especially once a blood test confirms a deficiency is present.
Vitamin B12 can be injected or supplemented orally. If you are comfortable with giving your dog injections, they are an inexpensive method to increase B12 levels and the most efficacious. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian for the injections, as they can easily provide you instructions and a prescription for the vial of B12 with syringes.
Cyanocobalamin is the form of B12 used in injections, while Methylcobalamin is the form of B12 used in most oral pet formulations, but Cyanocobalamin can also be used in oral formulations.
It is always suggested to test B12 along with the initial TLI blood test for EPI. However, you can try an oral B12 supplement at any time, but your veterinarian will need to test B12 blood levels after 90 days to ensure the B12 is being absorbed correctly, as some dogs do not absorb oral B12 well enough.
If choosing an oral B12 formulation, it is best not to use an OTC (Over-The-Counter) human supplement as many times these formulations can contain Xylitol (toxic in dogs) or other sweeteners and/or carriers that may not be acceptable for pet use.
It is best practice to always use a B12 oral supplement that is specially formulated for pet use only.
While literature from Texas A&M University suggests that forms of oral B12 require intrinsic factor for bioavailability, this is not truly clear. Some oral formulations that claim to contain intrinsic factor do not list any measurable amount which lends itself to only being present in the product for label claims. While other oral B12 formulations that do not contain intrinsic factor at all are known to work just as well in raising B12 levels in dogs and cats.
Whether an oral or injectable form is used, B12 levels need to be maintained in the high-normal levels (600 and above).
If giving injections of B12, cats and dogs can be given from 0.25 to 0.5 mL per injection. The dosages are typically given at 2 week intervals, or as indicated by your veterinarian.
Vials of injectable B12 (Cyanocobalamin, USP) can be purchased with a prescription from your veterinarian from many online pet pharmacies.
Additional savings for vitamin B12 vials and other meds may be found by using specialty, pet compounding pharmacies such as Wedgewood Pharmacy, Roadrunner Pharmacy or just Google; Pet Compounding Pharmacies Near Me, as the best prices can sometimes be found at local, independently owned compounding pharmacies.
Recommended Products:
1. Cobalequin
2. PET Factor B-12 w/ Intrinsic Factor
3. TRINFAC-B Intrinsic Factor Vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin
Learn more, and discuss this topic with fellow EPI dog owners:
Visit the Vitamin B12 thread on EPIDogForum.com.