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Exocrine Insufficiency

The pancreas, residing next to the stomach and small intestine, allows digestion and absorption of nutrients from the diet. The pancreas can be divided into two major sections: 1) the exocrine pancreas that releases hormones to breakdown ingested fats, proteins, and sugars from the diet, and 2) the endocrine pancreas that releases hormones of sugar regulation, e.g.: insulin and glucagon (abnormalities in this section of the pancreas include Diabetes mellitus). Pets with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) fail to release digestive enzymes and thus, suffer from malnutrition as food cannot be broken down for absorption. EPI can be congenital (born with condition) or acquired (caused by chronic pancreatic inflammation). Symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) include diarrhea, a poor hair coat due to malnutrition, and a voracious appetite in the face of weight loss. Treatment for EPI requires lifelong oral supplementation with pancreatic enzymes to facilitate digestion and absorption of food.

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49 Nonaville Rd. Mt Juliet, TN 37122 Phone: 615-758-6406 Fax: 615-758-6324 E-mail: countrysidemj@gmail.com

Hours

Mon – Fri: 7:30AM – 6:00PM Saturday: 8:00AM – NOON on SOME Saturdays- see dates above for closures Sunday: Closed We welcome walk-ins for sick and injured pets (limited availability based on our staff for the day) Please call for instructions.

Holiday Closures for 2025

Wednesday January 1st 2025- Closed Monday May 26- Memorial Day- Closed Friday July 4- Independence Day- Closed Monday September 1- Labor Day- Closed Wednesday November 26- Close at 5:00 pm Thursday November 27- Thanksgiving Day- Closed Wednesday December 24- Christmas Eve- Close at Noon Thursday December 25- Christmas Day- Closed Wednesday December 31- New Years Eve- Close at 5:00 pm Thursday January 1st 2026- Closed