The animal, in its appearance and behavior, typifies one that is starving to death and in reality it is. In most cases, a presumptive diagnosis can be made from clinical signs alone and it is then proven by one of several available tests used to accurately diagnose pancreatic insufficiency. In its appearance and behavior, an animal with pancreatic insufficiency looks like one who is starving to death - and in reality it is. Fortunately, treatment can easily be accomplished. Unfortunately, it is an expensive and lifelong proposition.
Treatment involves replacing the pet's pancreatic enzymes with enzymes from other sources.
These glands are harvested in meat packing plants and then processed solely for this purpose. They are formulated either into tablets or powder and go under such trade names as Viokase or Pancrezyme. They contain large quantities of the same naturally occurring digestive enzymes that are deficient in the affected pet. The tablets are given prior to a meal while the powder is usually mixed with food and allowed to set 30 minutes before feeding. Response to therapy is immediate and the animal will usually return to near normal health.