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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs breed risks and treatment

By German, Alexander J·Published in Topics in companion animal medicine·2012·Department of Obesity and Endocrinology and School of Veterinary Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in the dog: breed associations, nutritional considerations, and long-term outcome.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A dog with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can have symptoms like weight loss, diarrhea, and poor appetite due to the inability to properly digest food. Certain breeds are more likely to develop this condition, and treatment usually involves giving pancreatic enzyme supplements to help with digestion. However, each dog may respond differently to treatment, so it's important for pet owners to work closely with their veterinarian to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. With the right care, many dogs can improve their condition and regain their health.

People also search for: dog weight loss diarrhea · EPI treatment for dogs · pancreatic enzyme supplements for dogs

Abstract

Canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is an alimentary tract disorder causing malabsorption and debilitations in affected individuals. This article covers predisposing factors to EPI and response to therapy. Although relatively easy to diagnose, knowledge of breed predispositions (and also of those breeds where the disease is less common) can guide the clinician. Numerous studies have examined therapy for EPI, and a key finding is the variability in response among affected dogs. This implies that close monitoring and individual tailoring of therapy is needed to maximize the chance of success. Important factors affecting outcome are the choice of enzyme preparation, presence of hypocobalaminemia, and the response to the first 2 to 3 months of therapy.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23148849/