Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a very common disease in cat.
Statement (II): Most cats with EPI are deficient in cobalamin.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
• C. Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
• D. Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.

Hint:

In felines, the pancreas is the only source of intrinsic factor. This is why any pancreatic disorder in cats, especially EPI, almost always causes severe cobalamin (Vitamin B12) deficiency.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a syndrome caused by the inadequate synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes by the pancreatic acinar tissue, leading to maldigestion and malabsorption.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
- Statement (I): EPI is a common gastrointestinal disease in dogs (especially German Shepherds due to pancreatic acinar atrophy). However, in cats, EPI is considered an uncommon to rare disease. When it does occur in cats, it is usually a sequela of chronic pancreatitis rather than idiopathic acinar atrophy. Thus, Statement (I) is false.
- Statement (II): Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) absorption in the ileum requires binding to intrinsic factor (IF). In cats, the pancreas is the sole source of intrinsic factor (unlike in some other species where the stomach also produces it). Consequently, cats with EPI cannot secrete intrinsic factor, leading to a profound malabsorption of cobalamin. Clinical studies show that nearly 100% of cats diagnosed with EPI are severely deficient in cobalamin and require parenteral supplementation. Thus, Statement (II) is true.
Therefore, Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true, which corresponds to option (D).