Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Symptoms

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, is an inability to digest food. It's caused by a lack of pancreatic digestive enzymes. This disease is frequently found in dogs, and may be caused by pancreatic atrophy, chronic pancreatitis, cancer of the pancreas, or congenital pancreatic problems. Unfortunately, symptoms rarely appear before a dog has lost most of its pancreatic function. Dogs with untreated EPI may eventually starve to death or develop organ failure.

  1. Weight Loss

    • Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency frequently have a strong appetite but continue to lose weight. They may appear thin and even become emaciated. These dogs gradually waste away, even if fed large quantities. Many suffer from marked loss of muscle. Some develop a tendency to eat their own waste, or to consume dirt and other non-food materials.

    Hair and Skin

    • Malnutrition from EPI affects the skin and hair. Dogs with this condition may show bald patches or a thinning coat and poor coat quality. Eczema, dry skin, and dandruff are also frequent. The skin and hair generally recover completely after treatment.

    Elimination

    • A dog with EPI may need to eliminate much more frequently than a healthy dog--as often as every hour or two. The stool is wet, copious and often yellowish or gray in color. The stool may seem fatty or greasy, due to the dog's inability to digest fats. Dogs may also suffer from intermittent or chronic watery diarrhea. Water loss through the stools may result in excessive thirst.

    Intestinal Gas

    • Digestive problems caused by EPI may lead to excessive intestinal gas. Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency may have problems with flatulence, and may suffer from borborygmus--rumbling noises caused by gas as it passes through the intestines. Dogs may appear to be uncomfortable, due to pressure from the gas.

    Temperament Changes

    • Dogs with EPI suffer from chronic malnutrition, which eventually compromises all major systems. Nutritional deficiencies may cause a dog to become more aggressive, nervous, or frightened. Some dogs may be low energy and appear depressed.