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Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
The pancreas makes enzymes that break up food so the intestine can absorb it. In exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, the gland no longer produces enough of these enzymes. The food then passes through the digestive tract without being digeste...
What is it?
The pancreas makes enzymes that break up food so the intestine can absorb it. In exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, the gland no longer produces enough of these enzymes.
The food then passes through the digestive tract without being digested. The dog eats, sometimes a lot, but does not benefit from anything: he loses weight despite a preserved or increased appetite.
The signs only appear when a large part of the gland has stopped functioning, which explains an often gradual and discreet onset for a long time.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Marked weight loss while the dog eats normally, or even more than before.
Very copious stools, soft to liquid, pale or grayish, greasy and with a strong odor.
Increased appetite, sometimes to the point of seeking to eat unusual things or feces.
Dull, dry coat, brittle hair.
Bloated stomach and marked digestive noises.
Fatigue, decline in general fitness.
In young dogs, slowed growth despite good food intake.
Unlike infectious diseases, there is generally no fever or pain.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
In dogs, the most common cause is a progressive destruction of the cells of the pancreas which produce enzymes. This process, of immune origin, mainly affects young adults.
A second cause is the destruction of the pancreas by repeated pancreatitis, mainly in middle-aged to advanced dogs.
In all cases, the part of the pancreas which produces insulin may or may not be affected: the two functions are independent.
The German Shepherd is the breed most affected, with a recognized familial predisposition; the rough-haired collie is also mentioned.
Common onset in young adults for the form of immune origin.
History of repeated pancreatitis.
No link with diet as a cause: the diet does not cause the disease, it is part of its treatment.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
Consultation is essential for a dog who is losing weight even though he is eating well.
The diagnosis is based on a specific blood test measuring a substance produced by the pancreas; the sample is taken on an empty stomach.
This test distinguishes pancreatic insufficiency from other causes of chronic diarrhea, the treatment of which is completely different.
An additional assessment often looks for bacterial proliferation in the small intestine and a vitamin B12 deficiency, which are very frequently associated.
Imaging tests may be offered to rule out other digestive diseases.
Treatment
The treatment consists of providing the dog, at each meal and for life, with the enzymes that its pancreas no longer produces, in the form of powder or granules mixed with food.
This supplement must be given at all meals, without exception: as soon as it is stopped, the signs return.
Vitamin B12 supplementation is very often necessary, because it is no longer absorbed correctly.
A short-term antibiotic treatment is sometimes prescribed by the veterinarian when a bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine accompanies the disease.
The diet is adapted: highly digestible food, given in split meals. The veterinarian then adjusts according to the dog's response.
Monitoring focuses on weight, appearance of stools and condition of coat.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
We cannot prevent the immune-related form.
On the other hand, we can limit the secondary form by avoiding pancreatitis: no fatty table scraps, maintaining a correct weight, monitoring dogs who have already had an episode.
In breeding, not breeding affected dogs or their close relatives is the most useful measure for predisposed breeds.
Possible complications
Extreme weight loss and muscle wasting if diagnosis is late.
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12, with fatigue and impairment of general health.
Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, which causes diarrhea.
Appearance of diabetes when the destruction of the pancreas also affects the insulin-producing cells.
Rapid relapse if enzyme treatment is stopped.
When to see a veterinarian
Your dog loses weight even though he is eating normally or more than before.
Her stools have been abundant, pale, greasy and smelly for several weeks.
He is constantly looking for food, including unusual things.
His coat becomes dull and dry with no obvious skin cause.
Your puppy is not growing like the others despite a good appetite.
Chronic diarrhea persists despite dietary changes.
Prognosis
The prognosis is good when the enzyme treatment is given rigorously at each meal: most dogs regain weight within a few weeks and live normally.
The disease has no cure: treatment is lifelong.
Dogs diagnosed very late and very emaciated take longer to recover.
Correcting a vitamin B12 deficiency often significantly improves response to treatment.
Frequently asked questions
My dog eats a lot but is losing weight: is it necessarily the pancreas?
No, several diseases give this picture, notably diabetes and certain chronic digestive diseases. Only a consultation with analyzes can make a decision.
Can we stop the enzymes when the dog is better?
No. The improvement proves that the treatment is working, not that the pancreas has repaired itself. Stopping brings back diarrhea and weight loss.
Is this disease hereditary?
A family predisposition is well established in the German Shepherd. Therefore, affected dogs and their close relatives should not be bred.
Should you also change your diet?
Yes, most often: a highly digestible food given in split meals improves results. Your veterinarian chooses the food best suited to your dog.
References
WSAVA — World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 09 August 2026
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