The pancreas is an abdominal organ that lies adjacent to the small intestine. It has two main roles:
- The manufacturing and secretion
of hormones that regulate blood sugar levels (e.g., insulin). When this
part of the pancreas fails, the result is diabetes mellitus.
- The production of digestive
enzymes (e.g., amylase, lipase, and proteases) that are subsequently
excreted into the small intestine. When the pancreas cannot maintain
these functions, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is the result.
"Treatment for EPI is based on replacing
the digestive enzymes that a cat is not producing on her own and feeding
a diet that is very easy to digest."
Anything that damages a large portion
of the pancreas can result in EPI, but in cats the condition is most
commonly caused by chronic pancreatitis.
The Symptoms of EPI in Cats
Without adequate levels
of digestive enzymes within the small intestine, a cat cannot break
down and absorb nutrients from its food. This explains why EPI
is also sometimes called a maldigestion disorder. Cats with EPI
may:
- Lose weight despite having
a ravenous appetite
- Produce soft and greasy
stools or diarrhea on a frequent basis
- Produce more intestinal
gas than normal
- Have dry, flaky skin
EPI Diagnosis and Treatment
A veterinarian may suspect that your
cat has EPI based on her medical history and symptoms, but a definitive
diagnosis requires confirmatory testing. The trypsin-like immunoreactivity
test (TLI) is the most common diagnostic tool used and requires only
one sample of blood taken after a 12-18 hour fast. Fecal testing
may also be appropriate under certain circumstances.
Treatment for EPI is based on replacing
the digestive enzymes that a cat is not producing on her own and feeding
a diet that is very easy to digest. Pancreatic enzymes are available
in powdered forms (e.g., Viokase-V and Pancrezyme) that work best if they are thoroughly mixed
in with a cat's food. Tablets are not as effective.
Feeding
raw beef or lamb pancreas is another option, but the risks associated
with handling and eating raw animal products generally limit their use
to specific situations. Many cats with EPI also have a small intestinal
bacterial overgrowth and require antibiotic therapy and vitamin B12
and folic acid supplementation.
Most cats respond well when treated
aggressively for EPI, but therapy must continue for the rest of the
pet's life. Unfortunately, some individuals with EPI do not
gain adequate amounts of weight or experience relief from their digestive
symptoms no matter what treatment is employed, and euthanasia is the
most humane option in these cases.
The above is provided for information purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any condition.
This information does not cover all possible variables, conditions, reactions, or risks relating to any topic, medication, or product and should not
be considered complete. Certain products or medications may have risks and you should always consult your local veterinarian concerning the treatment of
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