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Category: Canine,Feline
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, EPI
AffectedAnimals:
Both cats and dogs can be affected by EPI, although it is more common in dogs. Young adult dogs, especially German shepherds, are most likely to be affected with PAA-associated exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Older dogs and cats affected by EPI will usually develop the disease as a consequence of end-stage chronic pancreatitis.
Overview:
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, refers to failure of the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes normally. This results in a syndrome characterized by diarrhea and weight loss, often despite the presence of a normal or increased appetite. Although EPI can occur in both dogs and cats, the most common cause is different in each species. EPI in dogs is usually due to a condition called pancreatic acinar atrophy, or PAA, but in cats it is most commonly due to end-stage pancreatitis.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is diagnosed on the basis of a blood test. It is treated with pancreatic enzyme replacements, which usually result in improvement of the symptoms. However, if EPI is due to chronic pancreatitis, and is accompanied by diabetes mellitus or other conditions, it can be more difficult to treat successfully.
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