Digestion requires many enzymes to break down foods to a stage that they can be absorbed by the intestinal wall.  Most of these enzymes are produced by an organ that lies under the stomach called the pancreas.  Lack of pancreatic enzymes is usually the result of chronic inflammation and scarring of the pancreas.  Without pancreatic enzymes, foods are not absorbed.  Poorly formed, bad smelling bowel movements and severe weight loss are common.

Cause 
The cause for most cases of pancreatic insufficiency is not known.  However, there are several factors that increase the risk of dogs developing pancreatic enzyme insufficiency:

• Aging
• Being overweight
• Eating a high fat meal
• Having high serum triglycerides
• Gender (more common in females)
• Breed (especially miniature schnauzers and German shepherd dogs)

Signs  of Disease    
Loss of weight with a ravenous appetite and bulky, bad smelling, greasy bowel movements are the hallmarks of pancreatic insufficiency.  Prior to this stage, the dog will have recurrent bouts of acute relapsing pancreatitis which causes abdominal pain and vomiting of varying degrees.  Acute attacks of pancreatitis can cause shock and death in overweight dogs prior to reaching the wasting-away, pancreatic insufficiency stage.   

The pancreas is also the organ that produces insulin.  Extensive pancreatitis can also lead to diabetes mellitus.

Diagnosis
Your veterinarian can diagnose pancreatic insufficiency using serum tests and fecal analysis.

Treatment   
Nothing can cause the pancreas to become normal again, but pancreatic enzyme powder or tablets can be mixed in the food and allowed to pre-digest the dog food for 15-20 minutes before eating.  This allows normal digestion, desirable weight gain, and more normal bowel movements.  The enzymes must be supplemented for the rest of the dog's life.

For more information, contact your local veterinarian or the MU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital 573-882-7821 or visit their web site.