Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs

Category: Digestive
Inheritance: Multifactorial
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 4

Overview

When the pancreas produces too few digestive enzymes, food cannot be broken down properly and nutrients are not absorbed well. This is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI. A dog may lose weight despite eating eagerly and pass large amounts of loose stool. Loss of enzyme-producing pancreatic tissue and long-term inflammation of the pancreas are important causes. Vitamin deficiencies can develop too.

Signs to watch for

Losing weight despite a strong appetite.
Eating more than usual.
Passing unusually large amounts of loose stool.
Pale stools.

In German Shepherds, Rough Collies and Eurasiers, disease from pancreatic tissue loss tends to start in young adulthood; other causes can affect any age.

When to get help Book a vet visit soon if your dog loses weight unexpectedly.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets use a blood test called trypsin-like immunoreactivity, or TLI, to assess pancreatic digestive function. A sufficiently low result can confirm EPI. Blood tests also check vitamin B12 and folate levels, because nutrient deficiencies can affect care. Some dogs have low pancreatic function before obvious signs develop.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

1 Medium
1 Large

German ShepherdLarge · Herding Group
EurasierMedium · Foundation Stock Service

Inheritance

Multifactorial
Several genes and the environment together set the risk. Diet, growth rate, weight and exercise can all play a part. There is no single DNA test. Screening the parents (for example hip or elbow scores) and choosing from lines with good results lowers the risk, but does not remove it.
As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.