Common names or abbreviations:

Description or definition:

“Hypoplasia” is the term used when an organ or tissue fails to reach a normal stage of development.  Pancreatic hypoplasia is a congenital defect that refers to a puppy that is born with an underdeveloped pancreas.  The portion of the pancreas that produces the hormone insulin usually develops normally in a puppy with pancreatic hypoplasia.  However, often those cells that produce enzymes for digestion of food do not.  If the pancreas does not produce these digestive enzymes, the puppy develops a condition called pancreatic insufficiency.  Pancreatic hypoplasia is a genetic, immune-mediated condition.

Symptoms:

Symptoms are directly related to the degree of hypoplasia, but generally include poor digestion, weight loss, and chronic diarrhea.

Related Conditions: 

Because all three conditions cause malabsorbtion (poor absorption of essential dietary components) resulting from a failure of the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, the terms pancreatic acinar atrophy, pancreatic hypoplasia, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, are often used interchangeably.

Treatment:

Management of pancreatic acinar atrophy, pancreatic hypoplasia, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is centered around improving the digestion and absorption of essential dietary components through a change in diet, enzyme supplementation, and treatment of diarrhea.

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