The pancreas has two major functions. These enzymes travel from the pancreas to the small intestine through a small tube called the pancreatic duct. The pancreas produces the protein-digesting enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin. Fat digestion is aided by enzymes called lipases , also produced by the pancreas. Without these enzymes, dogs would not be able to break down important dietary components.
Hypoplasia is the term for an underdeveloped tissue or organ.
One of the most common puppy abnormalities of the pancreas is congenital pancreatic hypoplasia, which refers to an underdevelopment of the pancreas. In puppies with this condition, the portion of the pancreas that produces the hormone insulin usually develops normally while those cells that produce enzymes for digestion of food, especially fats, do not. Pancreatic hypoplasia, the most common cause of pancreatic insufficiency is genetic and is most noted in German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Saint Bernards, Irish Setters and Labrador Retrievers. The symptoms relate to the fact that food is improperly digested, preventing its absorption. The degree or severity of symptoms varies with the amount of loss of functional pancreatic tissue.