Pancreas Elastase 1
Rapid test for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
The test is based on the immunochromatographic technique for determining the concentration of the elastase 1 (E1) enzyme in dog faeces samples.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or EPI is a pathology mainly found in dogs and rarely in cats. The pancreas is a gland attached to the digestive system and is divided into an endocrine and an exocrine part. The exocrine pancreas is essential in the digestive process and in the absorption of substances useful to the body.
The underlying cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency seems to be atrophy of pancreas acinus, it can have primary causes, such as autosomal recessive hereditary predisposition, or secondary such as chronic pancreatitis, neoplasms, inflammation, fibrosis, obstructions. The atrophy is followed by the poor production of lipase which prevents proper digestion and leads to typical symptoms.
The most predisposed breeds are the Rough Coated Collies, Terrier breeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, English Setters, Chow Chow and the German Shepherds, but any breed can develop the disease.
The symptoms of EPI can develop gradually over a long period of time and therefore may not appear evident until 80-95% of the pancreas atrophy.
EPI should be considered in the presence of some symptoms:
- steatorrhea;
- poor-looking coat (dry, dull, brittle);
- flatulence;
- vomiting;
- chronic diarrhoea with pulpy, yellowish and greasy faeces;
- marked weight loss and increased appetite up to polyphagia and pica (indiscriminate intake of edible and non-edible substances). The dog feels the urgent need to feed on anything. Also, dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency often eat their own faeces.
At the visit, thin and undernourished animals with non-conforming faeces often appear.
