Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency prevents dogs from digesting food properly, causing dramatic weight loss and malnutrition, but responds well to enzyme replacement therapy.
Dogs with undiagnosed or untreated EPI experience profound malnutrition despite normal or increased appetite - a state of chronic hunger and nutrient deprivation causing weakness, poor coat condition, and progressive deterioration. The contrast between eating enthusiastically and continued starvation represents significant welfare compromise. Once diagnosed and treated, most EPI dogs achieve complete clinical resolution and maintain excellent quality of life long-term with daily enzyme supplementation. Early diagnosis prevents weeks to months of unnecessary suffering.