Do dogs with EPI always have diarrhea?
Dogs with EPI have profuse diarrhea. The bowel movements are often malodorous. Borborygmus and flatulence are common.
What is the most common cause of EPI in dogs?
The most common cause of EPI in dogs is pancreatic acinar atrophy. The severity of this condition ranges from subclinical disease to a complete absence of secretory capacity. 2 Pancreatic acinar atrophy is thought to be an immune-mediated condition that begins with lymphocytic pancreatitis.
How can I help my dog with EPI?
Highly digestible, low fat diets together with pancreatic enzyme replacement (Viokase®, Pancreazyme®, Pank-Aid) will usually stabilize the condition. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) supplementation may be considered by your veterinarian when hypocobalaminemia is documented. Treatment is usually for the rest of the dog’s life.
Why does my dog have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in your dog is a result of the pancreas’ failure to produce the digestive enzymes need for proper food digestion. For digesting starches and sugars an enzyme called amylase is needed. These enzymes are lipases which digest fats.
What does it mean when your dog has no pancreas?
Even though your dog may be constantly eating, he is getting no nourishment at all from the food. Due to the lack of cellular functioning within the pancreas to produce enzymes to break down your dog’s food for absorption, your dog risks starving. This condition is known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Why does exocrine pancreatic insufficiency cause weight loss?
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is the inability to produce sufficient pancreatic enzymes to digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. This difficulty in digestion leads to poor absorption of nutrients which commonly causes weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite.
When to test your dog for pancreatic insufficiency?
If your dog’s digestion is poor, with frequent diarrhea, consider having him tested for EPI. Visible symptoms of the disease may not appear until 80 to 95 percent of the pancreas has atrophied.
Can a dog have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, also known as EPI, is a serious condition. Fortunately, it’s easy for your vet to detect EPI and once detected, it’s relatively easy to treat so your dog can return to normal health.
Even though your dog may be constantly eating, he is getting no nourishment at all from the food. Due to the lack of cellular functioning within the pancreas to produce enzymes to break down your dog’s food for absorption, your dog risks starving. This condition is known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Can a German Shepherd have endocrine insufficiency?
Dogs who have been diagnosed with EPI should never be fed high-fat or high-fiber diets. Fat and fiber is difficult to digest and may result in digestive problems in your dog. German Shepherds and Rough-Coated Collies are known to develop Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency more than other dog breeds.
Is there a cure for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
EPI due to chronic pancreatitis will sometimes resolve as the pancreas heals. However, the most common cause of EPI is the progressive destruction of the exocrine cells of the pancreas. This cannot be cured, only managed with medications and diet.