What are the usual signs of the condition? Young adult dogs are often affected and have chronic diarrhea or very soft, bulky, fatty looking feces, excessive appetites, occasional vomiting, and gradual weight loss over a period of months.
What is the most common cause of EPI in dogs?
The most common cause of EPI in dogs is pancreatic acinar atrophy. The severity of this condition ranges from subclinical disease to a complete absence of secretory capacity. 2 Pancreatic acinar atrophy is thought to be an immune-mediated condition that begins with lymphocytic pancreatitis.
What is the best food to give a dog with EPI?
Because most animals with EPI are fed a relatively low-fat diet, the addition of certain fatty acids and special fat sources called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) may be beneficial. These MCTs are more readily absorbed by animals with EPI and can be used in the body more efficiently.
How serious is EPI in dogs?
In time, EPI can lead to severe malnutrition because affected dogs, while eating normally, may not be able to digest and absorb sufficient nutrients – namely vitamins B12 (cobalamin), folate (another B vitamin), E and K (Williams, 1996) – due to the role of the pancreatic duct cells in secretion of bicarbonate and …
Does EPI shorten a dog’s life?
Conclusions and clinical importance: Long-term prognosis in canine EPI is favorable for dogs that survive the initial treatment period. Although there are few predictors of good RIT or long-term survival, severe cobalamin deficiency is associated with shorter survival.
How can I treat my dogs EPI at home?
Dogs with EPI are usually managed at home with pancreatic enzyme supplementation and cobalamin supplementation. Some dogs also require additional vitamin supplements, antibiotics, medications to reduce the secretion of stomach acid, and other treatments to manage their symptoms.
How much does it cost to treat a dog with EPI?
Cost of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement in Dogs
The initial cost of tests and diagnosis of EPI can cost $150 to $300. The cost of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy varies widely depending on the dosage required. For large dogs requiring significantly more enzyme replacement, costs are greater.
What is the treatment for EPI in dogs?
Treatment. Most dogs and cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can be successfully treated by supplementation with pancreatic enzymes. Powder is more effective than tablets, capsules, and especially enteric-coated products.
What does EPI poop look like?
Foul-smelling, greasy stools (steatorrhea)
The undigested fat that passes through the digestive system may cause oily or greasy-looking stools. These stools may also smell really bad, float, and be difficult to flush. Not all people experience steatorrhea, but it is the most common sign of EPI.
Can EPI go away?
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) may be managed, but it cannot be cured. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) may be managed, but it cannot be cured. EPI is treated by a combination of lifestyle changes and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). Do not drink alcohol.