Evaluation of treatment for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in dogs with ligated pancreatic ducts.

Clinical evaluations and measurements of maldigestion and malabsorption were made in dogs before and after ligation of pancreatic ducts. Fecal wet and dry weights were 300% greater after duct ligation. Fecal fat excretion of dietary intake increased from 9% to 84%. An indirect test of pancreatic function revealed a disappearance of intestinal chymotrypsin activity. All values tested improved during replacement with 5 ml of enzyme powder/day. Little additional improvement was observed after doubling or quadrupling this dose. Little or no additional improvement was seen with the following additions to enzymes: 30-minute preincubation of enzymes with food, antacids, cimetidine (except high dose), neomycin, or bile acids. Enzymes in uncoated tablets were less effective, unless the tablets were crushed.