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.
What do you feed a dog with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
Highly digestible, low fat diets together with
pancreatic enzyme replacement (Viokase®, Pancreazyme®, Pank-Aid)
will usually stabilize the condition. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) supplementation may be considered by your veterinarian when hypocobalaminemia is documented. Treatment is usually for the rest of the dog’s life.
How do you treat an EPI in a German shepherd?
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.
Are eggs bad for EPI?
Go for lean proteins, like chicken or turkey breasts, egg whites, or tuna packed in water. This will provide your body with the fuel it needs while keeping your meals low in fat.
Avoid too much fiber
. Though it’s usually part of a healthy diet, fiber can keep your pancreatic enzymes from digesting fat as well.
Is EPI common in German shepherds?
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a syndrome of maldigestion and malabsorption resulting from the failure of secretion of the pancreatic enzymes necessary for the normal digestion of food. It is
a relatively common problem in dogs
, especially in the German shepherd breed, but is quite rare in cats.
Does EPI shorten a dog’s life?
EPI dogs can continue to live a full life and do all the activities they did before, EPI, in and of itself, when
treated , does not shorten a dog’s lifespan
, The key is successful management. Pictured to the left is Maia. Maia, now 7 1/2 years old, was diagnosed with EPI when she was about a year old.
What food is best for 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.
What foods should you avoid with EPI?
Off the EPI Menu: Foods to Avoid
In general, try to limit the amount of fat you eat — especially the saturated fats in animal-based foods, such as butter, cream, fatty cuts of red meat, organ meat, and poultry skin. Avoidfried, creamy, or
cheesy foods
, such as pastries.
What causes EPI in German shepherds?
EPI occurs
when the acinar cells fail to produce sufficient pancreatic juice for the digestion process
(Simpson and Rishniw 2005). The commonest reason for this in young GSDs is pancreatic acinar atrophy (PAA) in which acinar cells are progressive destroyed.
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.
Are eggs bad for pancreatitis?
Although fatty foods, such as egg yolks,
won’t damage the pancreas
, they do contribute to high triglyceride levels that are a common risk factor for pancreatitis. Eating a Mediterranean diet is beneficial for glucose management and is associated with a lower risk of pancreatic cancer.
Can EPI go away?
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. Alcohol is known to damage your pancreas over time.
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 …
Is there a test for EPI?
The three main EPI diagnosis tests
measure the amount of pancreatic enzymes in stool
(fecal elastase), the amount of fat in the stool, or the exocrine function of the pancreas (via a direct stimulation test). Diagnostic scans may be used to look for inflammation and scarring of the pancreas.
How do you test for pancreatic insufficiency?
- Stool elastase—this test measures the level of elastase (an enzyme made by the pancreas) in a sample of your stool. …
- Chymotrypsin—this test measures chymotrypsin (a pancreatic enzyme that breaks down proteins) in your stool.
