EPI and pancreatitis are similar in that both disorders involve the pancreas organ in dogs and cats.
Pancreatitis is generally a more acute problem and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if you feel your pet is suffering from this.
Pancreatitis by definition is the inflammation of the pancreas organ. The pancreas releases enzymes that aid in digestion. In a normal pancreas, the enzymes released only become active in the small intestine. However, with pancreatitis the enzymes activate upon release which damages and inflames the organ and surrounding tissue. Signs include pain in the stomach, hunched back, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, weakness and fever.
Attacks of pancreatitis can happen all of a sudden (Acute Pancreatitis) or over time with little or marginal symptoms being present (Chronic Pancreatitis). Causes can range from high-fat diets, obesity, poor diet (allowing the dog to eat anything), hypothyroidism, diabetes, certain medications, severe blunt trauma and genetic predispositions. Feeding dogs human food and anything high-fat (especially during the Holidays) can put your dog at severe risk for pancreatitis.
Again, if you suspect pancreatitis you should contact your vet immediately. Your vet will diagnose the condition through blood tests (to measure pancreatic enzymes), physical examination, x-rays and/or ultrasound.
Treatment can consist of; Intravenous (IV) fluids, resting the pancreas with no food or oral fluids for a time, elimination of fat from the diet, anti-vomiting medication, prescription diets, checking pancreatic enzyme levels periodically, smaller & more frequent meals.
Some vets feel that use of porcine based pancreatic enzymes (pancreatin) like those used for EPI are helpful in treating pancreatitis. The thought process is that these enzymes help with digestion and reduce the work of the pancreas by helping to digest carbs, proteins and especially fats which are of concern for dogs with pancreatitis.
However, pancreatitis is a very serious condition and your veterinarian should be consulted before using any enzyme or supplement for treatment of pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis to EPI
It is thought that chronic pancreatitis can eventually result in so much damage to the pancreas organ, that end-stage pancreatitis can develop into EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
It is worth noting that many times this transition from pancreatitis to full-blown EPI is not always recognized and many dogs will lose large amounts of weight and are then unnecessarily euthanized.
If the change from pancreatitis to EPI is recognized, treatment for EPI utilizing pancreatic enzymes and diet can many times increase the quality of life for the dog.
This is why it is so important for your veterinarian to become a partner in your dog’s health and to consult with them regularly.
Learn more, and discuss this topic with fellow EPI dog owners:
Visit the Pancreatitis forum on EPIDogForum.com