Understanding EPI in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Care

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in dogs is a serious condition where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to poor digestion and severe weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite.

Which Dogs are Most Prone to EPI?

While any dog can develop EPI, it is especially common in certain breeds. The German Shepherd is particularly predisposed, accounting for over half of reported cases. Other breeds susceptible to EPI include the Rough Collie, Shiloh Shepherd, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, and English Setter. Recognising breed predisposition can help owners be vigilant about early signs.

What Causes EPI in Dogs?

The most common cause of EPI in dogs is pancreatic acinar atrophy (PAA). This autoimmune disorder leads to the destruction of the acinar cells responsible for producing digestive enzymes essential for breaking down fats, proteins, and starches.

Less commonly, EPI may result from chronic pancreatitis, an ongoing inflammation of the pancreas that can accompany conditions like diabetes.

Symptoms to Watch For

Dogs with EPI often appear normal at first but gradually develop digestive issues due to poor nutrient absorption. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
• Chronic diarrhoea with loose or fatty stools
• Increased volume of faeces
• Flatulence (wind)
• Coprophagia, where dogs eat their own stools
• Poor coat condition such as dryness and brittleness

Timely recognition of these signs allows early vet intervention to improve outcomes.

How is EPI Diagnosed?

Your vet will assess clinical signs and perform specific tests, including the canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) blood test to measure pancreatic enzyme levels. Low cTLI confirms EPI diagnosis.

Other tests like blood panels, stool exams, and urine analysis may be needed to rule out different digestive or infectious diseases presenting similar symptoms.

Treatment and Management

Though EPI cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with lifelong pancreatic enzyme supplementation. These enzyme supplements typically come in powder form to be mixed into your dog's food, aiding proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

If your dog is underweight or malnourished at diagnosis, vets often recommend vitamin and mineral supplements along with special diets that are highly digestible and low in fat and fibre to reduce pancreatic workload.

Living with a Dog Diagnosed with EPI

Managing EPI requires regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog’s weight and health progress. Usually, diarrhoea improves within a week following treatment, and weight gain resumes gradually.

Adjustments to enzyme dosages are made to maintain your dog’s ideal weight and condition. Avoiding foods rich in fibre, grains, and fat is advisable to ease pancreatic strain and maintain digestive comfort.

Breeding and Responsible Ownership

Because EPI is believed to have a genetic component and affects certain pedigree breeds more frequently, dogs diagnosed with EPI should never be bred. Responsible breeding practices help prevent passing this debilitating condition to future generations.

Choosing healthy, screened parents and supporting reputable breeders is vital for the wellbeing of puppies.