Causes of EPI

The effect of EPI is due to several causes. Recurrent pancreatitis can destroy pancreatic functioning to the point of EPI. On very rare occasions, tumors are involved (the dog would most likely die from the cancer before enough of the pancreas is affected to show signs of EPI). For the purposes of this web site, however, we will concentrate on the inherited form.

Increasing numbers of young dogs, even puppies, are displaying signs of EPI. In German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) EPI has been shown to involve genetics, and this most likely applies to all breeds. EPI symptoms often develop after a stressful event and in active or working dogs.