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Treatment

Once EPI has been diagnosed, treatment most commonly consists of supplementing your cat's diet with a pancreatic enzyme replacement. These enzyme supplements come in a powdered form which may be mixed with food. If your cat is undernourished, vitamin supplements may also be necessary.

Additional treatment depends on the root cause of EPI. Most causes of EPI, such as pancreatic acinar atrophy (see above), are irreversible. This means that life-long therapy and enzyme supplements will be needed.

Living and Management

Avoid high-fat and high-fiber diets, which are more difficult for digestion. It is necessary to monitor your cat's progress on a weekly basis after initiating treatment. Diarrhea should disappear within one week, and the consistency of stools should normalize soon after. Your cat will also begin to regain lost weight.

The dosage of enzyme supplements can be decreased as your cat's health and weight normalizes. Your veterinarian will guide you through this process.

Prevention

Breeding cats with pancreatic acinar atrophy is not advisable, as the condition can be passed to offspring.