Digesteaze is a palatable powdered enzyme supplement for use as a digestive aid to control signs of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). It is a pancreatic enzyme concentrate derived from fresh porcine pancreas.
 
Indications
Digesteaze is indicated as a digestive aid where digestion of protein, carbohydrate and fat is inadequate due to EPI. Supplementation with pancreatic enzymes results in the digestion of dietary fat, proteins and carbohydrates and makes these essential nutrients systemically available.
Discussion
The exocrine pancreas is an accessory digestive organ that secretes fluid containing digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate into the intestinal lumen via the pancreatic duct, resulting in digestion of food and neutralisation of gastric hydrochloric acid. In the condition known as EPI the ability to properly digest food is impaired because the enzymes made by the pancreas (amylases, lipases and proteases) are absent. This disease is found frequently in dogs.
Digesteaze is indicated as a digestive aid where digestion of protein, carbohydrate and fat is inadequate due to EPI.
However, the reserve capacity of the pancreas is enormous and, in the dog, protein digestion is not impaired until 85 to 90 percent of the pancreas is removed or destroyed.
EPI is caused by a progressive loss of the pancreatic cells that make digestive enzymes. Most commonly in dogs, this is caused by pancreatic acinar atrophy. The atrophy in turn can be caused by previous infections, a blocked pancreatic duct, or genetics. Chronic pancreatitis is the most common cause of EPI in humans and cats, but it is an uncommon cause in dogs. Loss of digestive enzymes leads to maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients.
Many different breeds have been diagnosed with EPI, but it is found most commonly in German Shepherd Dogs (about 66% of cases seen), Rough-Coated Collies and English Setters. Other breeds reported to be predisposed to EPI include terrier breeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Chow Chows.
Symptoms of EPI include weight loss, poor hair coat, flatulence, increased appetite, coprophagia and diarrhoea. Faeces are often yellow-gray in colour with an oily texture.
Most dogs and cats with EPI can be successfully treated by dietary supplementation with pancreatic enzymes. Preparations of the enzymes in powder form are more effective than 1 tablets, capsules, and especially enteric-coated products . This has been substantiated in human patients with EPI.