Many of you may have have heard of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), but I only learned of it recently. I stumbled upon a wonderful NYTimes article, As Dogs Waste Away, Owners Seek Answers.
I did a little bit of research and found an article published recently titled "Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in the Dog: Historical Background, Diagnosis, and Treatment" by Westermarck et al (2012). The article summarizes the latest research that has been done on EPI in the last ten years. This very sad disorder is what causes a lot of canines to be severely malnourished-looking.
It is actually a dysfunction of the pancreatic function. The authors state "When clinical maldigestion signs of EPI appear, enzyme replacement therapy is indicated. Despite accurate enzyme supplementation, only a small portion of orally administered enzymes are delivered functionally intact into the small intestine. In dogs, the highest enzyme activity in the duodenum has been obtained with nonenteric-coated supplements: raw chopped pancreas or powdered enzymes. Aside from dietary enzyme supplements, dietary changes are often made to improve clinical response, but sometimes weight gain and stool quality remain suboptimal. Other medications for treatment of gastrointestinal tract signs are often used in such dogs with EPI. Antibiotics are the most common adjunctive medication. Of the antibiotics administered, tylosin is used in Finland almost exclusively."
It seems as though I am hearing more and more about this disorder, but that maybe just because they are starting to diagnose it better now. I hope a trip to the vet solves your pup's issues before it is too late. This wonderful online resource www.epi4dogs.com can provide you with some assistance in the mean time.
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