In the juvenile form which occurs most commonly in young dogs the cause is thought to be immune-mediated . In one study a protein-deficient diet caused pancreatic atrophy. In older dogs it is likely that atrophy results from pancreatitis . In this breed the incidence is 5 times greater than would be expected form the population size. Sign Pancreatic acinar atrophy can be present and subclinical for many months or even years.
Weight loss can be severe and lead to emaciation.
Age Most cases occur between 6 months and 5 years of age, but they can present as older patients. Treatment Treatment involves the use of replacement pancreatic enzymes given orally. Enteric-coated tablets are not usually recommended because dissolution of the coating by alkaline pH in the intestine is unreliable. Because some enzyme is denatured by acid in the stomach, premixing the enzyme supplement with the food and left for about three quarters of an hour at room temperature is sometimes recommended. Feed a highly digestible, palatable, complete ration.