• EPI- a digestive enzyme deficiencydog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
  
  Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), also called maldigestion, is a potentially fatal digestive enzyme deficiency that affects dogs of all ages. Although relatively common in German Shepherds, EPI is not uncommon in other breeds and rarely affects cats. The syndrome--categorized by diarrhea and weight loss--develops due to the lack of pancreatic enzymes essential for the digestion of food. Several treatments are available with varying success.
  
  

Dietary Modification

• A change of diet will effectively treat dogs with uncomplicated digestive enzyme deficiency. For milder conditions, replacing your pet's regular food with highly digestible food ,low in fat and fiber but high in carbohydrates and protein, can be particularly useful in treating EPI. You can buy low-fat, low-fiber food from most pet stores but it is best to speak to your veterinarian for guidance. Although some animals respond well to treatment, keep in mind that in many cases EPI is not curable.Treatment can be lengthy and thus expensive.
  
  

Enzyme Replacements

• Since a dog with EPI cannot produce adequate amounts of enzymes to maintain his diet, you may need to introduce additional digestive enzymes. Supplements with digestive enzymes help your pet's digestive system absorb nutrients and prevent diarrhea, enabling him to gain weight. Your veterinarian will have products which contain enzyme replacements in powder or tablet form, such as Pancrease and Viokase. Mix them with the dog's food, at least three times a day.
  
  

Pig Pancreas

• Raw pig pancreas is an excellent source of pancreatic enzymes, and by far the cheapest alternative effectively control EPI. Depending on the severity of the condition and the weight of your dog, one part of a pig pancreas might suffice. When liquidized and thoroughly mixed into high protein food, pig pancreas controls EPI efficiently. Consider giving either cow pancreas or beef pancreas but as pigs are naturally omnivorous, enzymes found in their pancreases digest nutrients better.
  
  

Antibiotics and Vitamins

• EPI often brings an overgrowth of bacteria in the patient's bowls. The unabsorbed nutrients in his intestines nourish the bacteria rather than the animal. To alleviate the problem and allow other treatments to work effectively, your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline. Once he controls the condition, it is possible to reduce the course of antibiotics or withdraw them altogether. Notably, dogs with EPI are often deficient in vitamin B12 and vitamin E, due to poor absorption. Give some for optimum treatment.