Your dog's pancreas produces insulin to regulate blood sugar and digestive enzymes allowing his body to break down food. Without enough digestive enzyme production, dogs can develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI. Your vet might recommend pancreatin, a digestive enzyme, in powder or tablet form for your pet. Dogs recovering from a bout of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, also can benefit from pancreatin.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Dogs suffering from EPI exhibit various symptoms, including weight loss, greasy stools or diarrhea and gastrointestinal sounds -- including flatulence. In addition to adding pancreatin to your dog's food, your vet might suggest dietary changes, such as low-fat and low-fiber foods. Although pancreatin is available over the counter, don't give it to your dog without veterinary approval. Your vet also might have a specific brand she recommends for her patients.
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Writer Bio
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.