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Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (also called EPI)

is a medical condition in which the pancreas of the affected German Shepherd Dog (GSD) stops producing enough digestive enzymes to digest food normally in its small intestine.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in the GSD can result from primary pancreatic disease or any number of other diseases that interfere with the correct production of enzymes by the pancreas or of activation of the enzymes in the intestine.

What is the pancreas and EPI?

Signs of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in the GSD:

. Diarrhoea and foul smelling "cow patty" faeces.

. Increased gut sounds.

. Excessive water-drinking.

. Weight loss.

. Signs of nutritional deficiency (ex. dry and brittle
hair, anaemia)

. Ravenous appetite.

Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in the GSD:

Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Recommended diet to deal with EPI:

. Feed several small meals daily (at least 3 or more)

. Feed a highly digestible, palatable, complete ration.
Consult you veterinarian

. Ideal diet for a dog with EPI : low fibre, low in fat,
low excess carbohydrates

Keep in mind, once diagnosed, this treatment is a lifelong commitment for you and your German Shepherd. It may be possible to regulate the condition of EPI in the German Shepherds who are not so severely affected by feeding a bland low-fat, low-fibre diet with an over-the-counter enzyme supplement.

For the more severely affected German Shepherd a more serious regime is required. If EPI enzyme supplementation is stopped for any reason then all the unpleasant symptoms will recur in your dog - and very soon. Oftentimes the German Shepherds response to therapy can be seen within a week or so of starting treatment.

The owner of a German Shepherd diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency needs to be very attentive to their GSD's overall condition. After figuring out the correct amount of enzyme(s) needed to produce relatively normal stools and to stop weight loss, the GSD owner can usually feed enough food to help the dog regain lost weight. Relapses are always possible and are shown either in the return of diarrhea or in resumed weight loss.

The dogs owner will have to watch carefully for any of these returning symptoms. Generally speaking, as long as the German Shepherd owner is vigilant in maintaining the diet and enzyme supplements needed by the Exocrine
Pancreatic Insufficiency patient, then the dog with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency can live a happy and relatively normal life.

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