EPI - Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
The pancreas has 2 functional parts. The endocrine part secretes insulin and glucagon, which are essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates. The exocrine part consists of units called acini that produce and secrete enzymes essential for the digestion of protein, into the small intestine.
With exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), there is gradual wasting away (atrophy) of the acini. Clinical signs do not develop until most of the acini are gone. As dogs lose the ability to digest protein, they progressively lose weight despite a voracious appetite.
How is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency contracted?
There are three main causes of EPI in Dogs
- congenital hypoplaysia (it is thought to be an autosomal recessive trait)
- degenerative pancreatic atrophy (which is believed to be the most common form)
- chronic pancreatitis
PLEASE NOTE: For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not yet been carried out, or are inconclusive.
What breeds are affected by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
There is a genetic predisposition to this disorder in the German shepherd however it also occurs sporadically in other dog breeds.
What does exocrine pancreatic insufficiency mean to your dog & you?
Affected dogs lose weight despite voracious appetites, and usually pass large amounts of semi-formed pale coloured stools. They often suffer coprophagia (eat their own faeces), or other inappropriate substances. Flatulence, poor coat condition, lack of energy and depression can also be present in some dogs suffering from EPI.
Some dogs do not show these typical signs, and may experience intermittent watery diarrhea or vomiting.
How is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency diagnosed?
The clinical signs of EPI are listed above. Once EPI is suspected, serum folate levels, or TLI tests can be performed to diagnose EPI.
TLI test is-
Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity (TLI) test is performed by your vet by taking a blood sample, the TLI levels are measured in this sample. A TLI level of 2.6 (micrograms per litre) or lower is indicative of TLI. The TLI level range for a healthy dog is 5.0 - 100 micrograms per litre.
Although this disorder can not be cured and is serious, it can usually be maintained and managed fairly easily. Powdered pancreatic enzyme extract is mixed in with each of the dogs meals . Within a few days of commencing treatment the dogs appetite and stools should improve. Weight gain should follow. Your vet will assist you to determine the best dosage and regime for your dog. Enzyme supplementation is not cheap and is necessary for the life of the dog.
Some dog owners are obtaining good results by using the pancreas of pigs and cattle to add to their dogs diet as a natural and cheaper alternative. However lack of availability is a prime concern in using this alternative treatment.
If the dog fails to gain weight despite treatment, it may be due to a chronic bacterial overgrowth. A course of antibiotic therapy may be useful in these dogs.
Affected dogs, their parents (considered carriers) and siblings (suspect carriers) should not be used for breeding.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Buyer Beware
Temperament
Although there is no such thing as a perfect dog (even a White Shepherd) by researching and gathering as much information as you can, prior to purchasing your puppy, you will lessen your risk of getting an inferior example of the breed. And hopefully minimise any unnecessary stress, heartache, and expense to you, your family, and the puppy YOU choose.
A Serious issue, and a "fault" in the breed's standard, is a shy or timid temperament. Something not always easily detected by the inexperienced puppy buyer. This can be caused by genetic and environmental factors or a combination of both. Your responsibility is to protect yourself from purchasing a puppy with this problem by firstly meeting the Sire and Dam of the puppy, and observing their behaviour/temperament.
To get a better indication of the Sire and Dams temperament ask the breeder/stud dog owner to meet you at a location other than their home, so you are able to witness the dogs behaviour in the outside world, well away from its comfort zone. Health risks to any puppies must be taken into consideration, so ideally this would be done either prior to the puppies being born, or after they are weaned.
Temperament and Behaviourial issues are a huge problem in the canine world and cause more dogs to be euthanised every year than health issues ever will!
Even if the puppy you choose has parents with confident and happy temperaments, you must continue to work with your puppy by exposing it and socialising it in as many POSITIVE environments and situations as possible, not just once a week but everyday. Obedience classes are also highly recommended to achieve the optimum behaviour from your dog, put in the time and you will reap your reward ten fold, you will have a magnificent adult dog, that you are able to take absolutely anywhere and be proud of it !
There are many information sources available regarding temperament tests that you can obtain, either from your Vet, Books, Internet or experienced Breeders. Click here for the Volhard site it contains great information about choosing a puppy, as well as an example of thier temperament test.
A picture is worth a Thousand words? Or is it?
A Slick website that looks incredibly professional and amazing, does not always reflect the breeder or the dogs it represents. As a society with incredible technology at our fingertips we are also susceptible to being deceived by this technology. Some breeders are so caught up in their dogs appearances they resort to deceitful practises to obtain that perfect looking dog. Photos are enhanced and edited, such as lightening coats, darkening noses (pigment) and editing out conformation faults. To the point that the dog you view in the picture is totally unrecognisable in the flesh. If you are unable to personally view/meet the Sire and Dam ask to be referred to puppy buyers from previous litters or owners of siblings of the sire and dam.
It is also possible to bleach coats and improve pigment/nose colouring with cosmetic dyes and products, while enhancing/tricking up a dogs appearance is quite acceptable in dog show circles, to mislead people and use it in a deceitful way is not acceptable.
BREED STANDARD- CLICK HERE
