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Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a condition where the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients despite adequate food intake.
Key Facts
- Dogs: most common cause is pancreatic acinar atrophy (genetic); 70% are German Shepherds, 20% Rough Collies
- Cats: most common cause is chronic pancreatitis
- Signs: weight loss, greasy/voluminous diarrhea, dry dandruffy coat, vitamin B12 deficiency
- Diagnosis: serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) blood test (fasting required)
- Treatment: lifelong enzyme powder supplementation mixed into food
- Vitamin B12 injections often required, especially in cats
- Raw beef or lamb pancreas is an alternative enzyme source (must be frozen, not cooked)
- High-digestibility, low-fiber diet recommended
- Bacterial overgrowth in intestines is a common complication
- Response to treatment usually seen within one week
- Species: dogs and cats