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EPI in the German Shepherd can result from primary pancreatic disease or several
other diseases that interfere with the correct production of enzymes by the
pancreas or of activation of the enzymes in the intestine.
What is the pancreas and EPI? And what does this have to do with my own personal
German Shepherd?
Briefly: the "exocrine" part of the pancreas is responsible for producing the
enzymes we all use to digest our food correctly. Without adequate production of
these particular enzymes your German Shepherd cannot digest its food properly
either.
If your German Shepherd can't digest it's food, it will not be able to absorb all
the food's nutrients properly. Keep in mind that Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
can be potentially life threatening, especially in its acute form. However, it
often responds well to ongoing and daily treatments when diagnosed and treated
with the proper drugs.
Typically, the exocrine functions of the pancreas can malfunction in one of two
ways. First, in acute pancreatitis, the dog's pancreas becomes inflamed, causing
vomiting and loss of appetite with resulting dehydration. This does require
immediate veterinary attention.
Secondly, a previously healthy German Shepherd Dog may begin to exhibit a few or
all of the following symptoms: excessive water-drinking, ravenous appetite and
very soft "cow patty" stools. This is indeed a big tell. No matter how much the
dog eats, it will be hungry soon after and will soon begin to lose weight.
Typically, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in the GSD is presented in young
adult dogs between 1 to 5 years of age.
• Excessive water-drinking.
• Weight loss.
• Ravenous appetite.
Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in the GSD:
Treatment of EPI often involves the use of various replacement pancreatic enzymes.
These are given orally to your German Shepherd. Occasionally oral antibiotics may
be needed as well. Most often, these EPI products are given in powder form or as
crushed tablets, then mixed with the food and left on it for about 30 minutes at
room temperature before feeding takes place.
• Ideal diet for a dog with EPI : low fiber, low in fat, low excess carbohydrates
Keep in mind, once diagnosed, this treatment is a lifelong commitment for you and
your German Shepherd. It may be possible to regulate the condition of Exocrine
Pancreatic Insufficiency in the German Shepherd Dogs who are not so severely
affected by feeding a very bland low-fat, low-fiber diet and adding an over-the-
counter enzyme supplement.
For the more severely affected German Shepherd a more serious regime is required.
If EPI enzyme supplementation is stopped for any reason then all the unpleasant
symptoms will recur in your dog - and very soon. Oftentimes the German Shepherds
response to therapy can be seen within a week or so of starting treatment.
The dogs owner will have to watch carefully for any of these returning symptoms.
Generally speaking, as long as the German Shepherd owner is vigilant in
maintaining the diet and enzyme supplements needed by the Exocrine Pancreatic
Insufficiency patient, then the dog with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency can
live a happy and relatively normal life.
Interested in more dog information? Training and health tips? Thinking about
getting a purebred dog? Interested in the German Shepherd Dog in particular? Check
out pedigreedpups.com , total-german-shepherd.com or http://canine-hotline.com for
more information.