The pancreas is made up of two parts. The hormonal part (the endocrine pancreas) 
produces insulin and other hormones which regulate carbohydrate (glucose, starch)
metabolism and are responsible for storing nutrients. They also help to mobilise 
energy reserves and keep the blood sugar at a constant level.

The other part of the pancreas (the exocrine pancreas) produces the digestive 
enzymes required for the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and protein in the 
small bowel prior to the absorption into the bloodstream.

Pancreas disorders may affect the endocrine or exocrine part of the gland or 
both at the same time. 

Under normal circumstances digestive enzymes are secreted from the pancreas to 
the small bowel where they are activated to help with the digestive process. However 
if the digestive enzymes become activated while they are still in the pancreas, they 
start to digest the pancreas itself and inflammation develops. This process is called 
"acute pancreatitis" and the underlying cause is still unknown. 

The symptoms of acute pancreatitis vary greatly. Common symptoms are tiredness, 
apathy, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and fever. 

Pancreatitis resembles many other acute stomach and bowel conditions, as well as 
various other organ disorders. Extensive diagnosis such as blood tests, x-rays and 
ultrasound scans are therefore required. 

The management of pancreatitis is based on the symptoms, which may vary considerably 
from case to case. Often, the animal needs to be fed by infusion as it cannot take solids or 
liquids orally and this also allows the pancreas to recover. Your veterinary practitioner will 
prescribe/administer the necessary treatment as determined by the diagnosis and may 
prescribe an antibiotic to treat or prevent secondary infection.

Depending on the condition, the animal will usually improve after 24 to 72 hours. Once the 
acute symptoms have improved, your dog or cat should be gradually introduced to a low-fat, 
carbohydrate-rich diet under your veterinary practitioner's supervision. Most animals develop 
pancreatitis only once in their lives and remain healthy thereafter as long as they are kept on
a low-fat diet. 

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is characterised by a lack of digestive enzymes. In dogs, 
this deficiency is generally caused by degradation of the pancreatic cells that produce these 
enzymes.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is most commonly found in German Shepherds Dogs. It 
usually occurs in the dogs first years of life, but older animals may also develop the condition.

Cats may also develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, but in cats, unlike dogs, the condition 
often follows on from chronic pancreatitis and may be accompanied by diabetes. 

Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have insatiable appetites but look emaciated 
and continue to lose weight. The faeces are bulky, yellowish, and have a greasy glistening 
appearance. Vomiting is occasionally seen.

Cats also display increased appetite in the presence of weight loss and diarrhoea. Because 
of the chronic nature of the condition these symptoms may remain mild for a long period, only 
becoming more marked as the disorder progresses. 

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can be diagnosed by stool and blood tests. 

Replacement of the missing digestive enzymes is the key to successfully overcoming exocrine 
pancreatic insufficiency. Most animals respond well to pancreatic enzymes taken with every meal. 
Other measures, such as antibiotic treatment and/or vitamin injections, may be necessary initially.

It is important for the animal to receive sufficient enzymes with every meal to gain weight and help 
the appetite return to normal. Dogs gain 250 g - 500 g a week during recovery. Once an improvement 
is apparent, the amount of enzymes given with each meal can be reduced to a maintenance level.

In summary, enzyme supplementation in combination with a balanced, low-fat diet and regular 
veterinary follow-up will give your animal years of health and happiness.