In brief, epi occurs when the exocrine pancreas system necrotises/rots away, and can’t be improved. Many people with cystic fibrosis suffer from it. One of its roles is to produce digestive enzymes and aid digestion of vitamin B 12. Lipase which digests fats is the most important, plus amylase and protease. So these are supplemented in every meal with pork pancreas enzymes as powder or in capsules. They taste vile, so when Marti , like Laurie, refused them , I joined a global support website, epi4dogs dogs. I’ve been messaging Mari.
Our dogs usually need grain free normal food. Powdered enzymes need cunning disguising, yogurt, fish, cat food etc. Marti went from starving 17kg to healthy springer spaniel 24 kg.
Except in German Shepherds, it is rare, and few vets world wide are aware of it, So two of our cocker members have experienced this, but maybe more, as sometimes pancreatitis, which cockers are prone to, leads into epi. The symptoms are weight loss, starving appetite, sudden fatty yellow/grey cowpat poops. Can’t pick them up, very embarrassing.
Elderly dogs like Lauri have complex conditions, but if they can eat and digest the food with added enzymes, they gain weight and can respond to their other issues.
Sorry for the lecture notes, but I passionately try to spread knowledge of the condition. It is so controllable, and dogs will live their normal lifespan.