Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency - Dog

Diagnosis

History

Dogs usually have a history of small bowel diarrhoea with weight loss whilst maintaining a normal or increased appetite. There may be a history of vomiting, borborygmus, Coprohagia and flatulence with signs of abdominal discomfort.

Clinical signs

Weight loss and muscle wastage are usually seen in assosiation with EPI.Diarrhoea and steatorrhoea are also common. Hair coat is often in a poor condition and animals may be associated with a foul smell due to haircoat soiling with fatty faecal material .

Laboratory Tests

Modest increases in ALT and a decrease in cholesterol concentration are seen on routine biochemical studies in some dogs. Serum concentrations of cobalamin may be low whilst serum folate concentrations may be high. Low serum concentrations of Vitamin E are also frequently documented in dogs with EPI.