epinatsuplements

CANINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY

(Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency)
Supplements

Species affected: Dogs (occasionally cats)

Background: This problem is especially common in German shepherd dogs, but is occasionally seen in other breeds. When the pancreas is unable to secrete the digestive enzymes (mainly consisting of amylase and lipase) into the common bile duct, malabsorption and indigestion occur.

Symptoms: Excess gas production, loose stool of a light color and clay-like consistency containing noticeable undigested fats, and eventually weight loss and malnutrition.

Diagnostics: May be confirmed by blood testing as well as a fecal trypsin test.

Special Notes: Some of these dogs do better on low carbohydrate diets; some do better on low fat diets. However, many commercial, low fat diets tend to be high in fiber, exacerbating the problem.
Principles for Supplementation: Treatment requires high levels of enzymes; if a particular preparation is ineffective, it is important to try others (with varying proportions of lipases and proteases). Plant source enzymes are usually not as effective as animal source enzymes.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS—PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY
Formulas	Dosage	Mechanism/Purpose
Dipan	Cats: ¼ capsule/meal Dogs: ½ capsule/25 lbs/meal	Pancreatic enzymes (pancreatin).
Folic Acid Liquid	Cats: 1 drop, bid Dogs: 1 drop/25 lbs, bid	Involved in intermediary metabolism pathways, including nucleotide synthesis, phospholipid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter production, creatinine formation. Paired with B12 in production of methionine from homocysteine.
Planti-zyme12	Cats: ¼ capsule/meal Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs/meal	Plant-source digestive enzymes.

Source
Veterinarian’s Desk Reference of Natural Medicines
This guide is intended for use by licensed veterinarians only. While pet owners may find this information useful, they should not attempt to self-diagnose their animal friends. The Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine always recommends that your animal’s healthcare be directed under the guidance of a veterinarian.
http://www.viim.org/therapeutics/VDR_2004a_final.pdf