PetMD Seal

Lack Of Digestive Enzymes in Dogs

PrintPrint

Treatment

 

Once EPI has been diagnosed, treatment most commonly consists of supplementing your dog's diet with a pancreatic enzyme replacement. These enzyme supplements come in a powdered form which may be mixed with food. Also, if your dog is undernourished, vitamin supplements may 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. Weekly monitoring of your dog's  progress is necessary after initial treatment. Diarrhea should disappear within one week, and the consistency of stools should normalize soon after. Your dog will also begin to regain lost weight.

 

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

 

Prevention 

 

Breed animals with pancreatic acinar atrophy is not advised, as the condition can passed along to offspring.

 

 

Related Articles

Stomach Inflammation (Atrophic) in Dogs
Atrophic gastritis is a type of chronic (long-term) inflammation of the stomach lining....
READ MORE
Ingestion of Feces and Foreign Objects in ...
Pica is a medical issue referring to a dog's craving of a non-food item and the subsequent...
READ MORE
Stomach Flu with Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is identified by blood in the vomit and/or stool, often...
READ MORE
  • Lifetime Credits:
  • Today's Credits:
Hurry Before All Seats are Taken!
Enroll
Be an A++ Pet Parent! Take fun & free courses to earn badges & certifications. Choose a course»

symptom checker

Search dog Articles

Follow petMD


Keep your pets healthy and safe with the latest from petMD

Latest In Dog Nutrition

What Are Lean Proteins and How They Can Help ...
Protein is an important component in your pet's food, but not all proteins are the...
READ MORE
The Role of Exercise in Pet Weight Loss
Exercise is beneficial for our pets in so many ways. It helps decrease stress, improve...
READ MORE
How Obesity May Shorten Your Pet's Lifespan
Obesity is a nationwide epidemic for our pets. Unfortunately, being obese can shorten...
READ MORE
 
MORE FROM PETMD.COM
©1999-2013 petMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved