Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs

Function

• The pancreas in dogs is a glandular organ located in the abdominal cavity under the stomach and next to the duodenum, the upper small intestine. The endocrine function of the pancreas secretes hormones such as insulin and glucagon to regulate the concentration of blood sugars in the dog's body. The exocrine function produces enzymes such as protease, lipase and amylase to break down protein, fat and carbohydrates so they can be used in the body. Dysfunction of the endocrine pancreas is known as diabetes mellitus, while disease of the exocrine function is known as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, or EPI.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of EPI include a highly increased appetite with noticeable weight loss, increased flatulence and loud, rumbling sounds in the abdomen. Dogs may have diarrhea or light-colored, smelly stools surrounded by undigested fat. The inability to ingest nutrients can show in dry, flaky skin and dry coat, possibly with some hair loss. Due to the increased appetite, dogs can also be seen eating inappropriate material, such as their own feces, grass and dirt.

Prevention/Solution

• Pancreatic insufficiency is usually caused by a genetic predisposition that creates glandular atrophy so that it cannot produce needed digestive enzymes. The disease can also be triggered by repeated bouts of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Keeping the dog on a high-fiber, low-fat diet without feeding table scraps usually reduces the incidence of pancreatitis. Veterinarians may treat EPI with supplemental enzymes to alleviate some of the symptoms and will usually recommend changing to a diet low in fat and fiber and high in calories and digestible carbohydrates. A prescription food such as canine I/D often works best.

Considerations

• While any breed of dog may develop EPI, it is usually a disease of young, large dogs. The German Shepherd and Rough-Coated Collie, in particular, have a genetic predisposition to the pancreatic atrophy that causes EPI. Pancreatic insufficiency is irreversible and will require lifelong treatment with diet and enzyme supplements.

Warning

• Any dog showing symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency should be seen immediately by a veterinarian, who will usually recommend that serum chemistries be run on the animal's blood. Without treatment, the dog will become increasingly dehydrated and thin, and can essentially starve to death while continuing to eat. Massive dehydration and lack of nutritional enzymes can also lead to heart conditions and possibly cardiac failure.