Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs and Cats

Know how to keep your dogs away from pancreatic issues

The Functions of the Pancreas

An animal’s pancreas has two functions within the body—exocrine and endocrine functions. The endocrine pancreas secretes hormones and insulin, while the exocrine pancreas contains acinar cells that secrete zymogens and digestive enzymes, which are crucial for proper digestion.

Digestive enzymes are responsible for breaking down food so that the body can use those nutrients. In addition to helping produce digestive enzymes, the exocrine pancreas produces essential substances that help with absorption and other important digestive system functions, such as neutralizing gastric acid.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – What Is EPI in Dogs & Cats?

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a disease characterized by the inadequate production of digestive enzymes from pancreatic acinar cells. Without an adequate amount of enzymes, the body can’t digest or absorb food. This leads to maldigestion and the malabsorption of nutrients.

In addition, EPI can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the intestines. Undigested food and unabsorbed nutrients end up feeding the bacteria living in the intestines, which leads to an overpopulation of bacteria and nutrient deficiencies. This often results in a vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) deficiency. If left untreated, EPI will deprive the body of the nutrients needed to survive.

What Causes Pancreatic Insufficiency?

The most common cause of EPI in dogs and cats is pancreatic acinar atrophy, which is a disease that destroys the acinar cells in the pancreas. Other causes include chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic neoplasia, and pancreatic hypoplasia.

Another breed that is predisposed to EPI is German Shepherds and 20% are Rough Collies. About 70% of dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are German Shepherd Dogs and 20% are Rough Collies (Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP). The disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and is assumed to be an autoimmune disease in both GSD and Rough Collies.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Symptoms

Diagnosing EPI in cats and dogs can be difficult because visible symptoms may not appear for months or even years. The most common clinical signs of EPI include:

Diarrhea

Increased fecal volume

Polyphagia (excessive hunger and an abnormally large intake of food)

Weight loss

Dry coat and dandruff due to the inability to absorb dietary fats

Stool eating due to malnutrition

Anemia (from vitamin B12 deficiency)

Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes for Dog & Cats by Lots of Love Pet Products

If your pet requires pancreatic enzyme supplementation, consider Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes for Dog & Cats by Lots of Love Pet Products! It is a high-potency, pancreatic enzyme powder designed to support the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This digestive enzyme supplement assists in nutrient absorption, which is essential for proper digestion.