'''Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)''' is a syndrome characterised by insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes by the exocrine portion of the pancreas. Most commonly EPI occurs following the progressive reduction in pancreatic mass caused by pancreatic acinar atrophy or chronic pancreatitis. EPI may also occur secondary to excessive gastric acid secretion (excess acid affects the activity and production of the pancreatic enzymes) or severe protein malnutrition (decreased synthesis of pancreatic enzymes). Concurrent diabetes mellitus and pancreatic hypoplasia have also been documented as causes in the dog. | '''Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)''' is a syndrome characterised by insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes by the exocrine portion of the pancreas. Most commonly EPI occurs following the progressive reduction in pancreatic mass caused by pancreatic acinar atrophy or chronic pancreatitis. EPI may also occur secondary to excessive gastric acid secretion (excess acid affects the activity and production of the pancreatic enzymes) or severe protein malnutrition (decreased synthesis of pancreatic enzymes). Concurrent diabetes mellitus and pancreatic hypoplasia have also been documented as causes in the dog. |