GI Disease

Question 1

What is the aetiology of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?

Answer 1

atrophy of exocrine pancreatic cells caused by spontaneous atrophy or secondary to pancreatitiis/trauma
Could be inherited
Predisposed breeds - GSD, rough collie

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of exocrine pancreatic insuffiency?

Answer 2

inadequate production of digestive enzymes due to atrophy of pancreatic exocrine cells.
Animal unable to digest foodstuff fully leading to high volumes of faeces containing undigested material.
Malabsorption leads to weight loss and increased appetite.

Question 3

How do you diagnosis Exocrine oancreatic insufficnecy?

Answer 3

history and clinical signs
Signs similar to other intestinal problems
Faecal examination
Serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity, looking for low levels to confirm disease

Question 4

What are the clinical signs of Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?

Answer 4

polphagic through losing weight

• Large faecal volume
• Steatorrhea and undigested material
• Flatulence
• Poor coat condition
• Muscle wastage