Protein-losing Enteropathy in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) in dogs is a serious condition that arises when the intestines cannot adequately absorb protein from the food a dog eats. This leads to excessive loss of protein from the bloodstream into the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the dog's overall health and nutrient balance.

In a healthy dog, the intestines absorb essential nutrients, including proteins, which are distributed through the bloodstream to maintain bodily functions. Normally, small amounts of protein leak back into the intestines and are reabsorbed. However, in PLE, damage or dysfunction in the intestines increases this leakage and prevents reabsorption, resulting in a harmful protein deficit.

What causes protein-losing enteropathy in dogs?

Protein-losing enteropathy is not a single disease but a syndrome caused by several underlying intestinal disorders, often secondary to other health issues. Key causes include:

• Intestinal infections, including bacterial infections like Salmonella
• Intestinal cancers such as lymphoma
• Fungal infections
• Severe parasitic worm infestations, including whipworms and hookworms
• Food allergies leading to inflammation
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Ulcers in the stomach or intestines
• Congestive heart failure impacting lymphatic drainage
• Lymphatic abnormalities or obstruction

Recognising symptoms of protein-losing enteropathy

PLE often presents with symptoms common to many gastrointestinal diseases, making diagnosis more challenging. Watch for:

• Diarrhoea, which can be intermittent or persistent
• Unexplained weight loss despite normal appetite
• Difficulty breathing or laboured respiration
• Lethargy and reduced energy levels
• An enlarged abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites)
• Swelling or oedema in legs or feet

Diagnosing protein-losing enteropathy in dogs

Your vet will begin with a thorough physical examination and health history, discussing all symptoms observed. To confirm PLE and its cause, your dog may need several diagnostic tests:

• Blood tests to measure protein and calcium levels, and overall blood chemistry
• Urine analysis to check kidney function
• Stool examination to rule out parasitic infections
• Ultrasound or X-rays to identify tumours, ulcers, or lymphatic abnormalities
• Blood vitamin levels to assess nutrient absorption

When necessary, specialised intestinal biopsies may also be performed for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment approaches for protein-losing enteropathy

Treatment depends on the underlying cause diagnosed by the vet. There is no one-size-fits-all remedy for PLE:

• Infections require appropriate antimicrobial or antiparasitic therapy
• Inflammatory diseases like IBD often need immunosuppressive medications
• Cancer may require chemotherapy or surgery
• Dietary management plays a crucial role, focusing on highly digestible, low-fat, and hypoallergenic diets to reduce intestinal irritation and protein loss
• Severe protein loss might require supportive care such as blood transfusions or intravenous nutrition

Breeds at higher risk and genetic factors

Protein-losing enteropathy can affect any dog breed, but some are genetically predisposed, suggesting hereditary factors influence susceptibility. Breeds most at risk include the Yorkshire Terrier, Basenji, Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, and Norwegian Lundehund. Responsible breeding practices and genetic screening may help reduce incidence.

Supportive care and responsible pet ownership

Caring for a dog with protein-losing enteropathy requires close teamwork with your vet to monitor the disease progression and response to treatment. Nutritional support tailored to your dog's condition is essential. Early detection improves outcomes, so regular veterinary check-ups and awareness of breed predispositions are vital.

Choosing your dog from reputable breeders who prioritise health and genetic screening helps promote healthier dogs less prone to inherited conditions like PLE. Moreover, consider adopting from shelters or rescues, where you can find healthy dogs needing loving homes.

Protein-losing enteropathy FAQs

Can protein-losing enteropathy be cured?

Quick Answer: PLE itself is a syndrome caused by underlying diseases. Treatment focuses on managing the primary disease causing protein loss. Some dogs respond well to treatment and can live good quality lives, but prognosis varies.

The potential for cure depends on the exact cause. For instance, dogs with infections or food allergy-related PLE may fully recover with appropriate treatment and diet. Those with cancer may require ongoing management.

How is protein-losing enteropathy diagnosed?

Quick Answer: Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood and urine tests, stool checks, imaging, and sometimes intestinal biopsies to confirm excessive protein loss and identify the cause.

Hypoproteinaemia (low blood protein levels) is a key indicator, alongside clinical signs. Imaging and biopsy provide details about intestinal health and disease extent to guide treatment.

Are certain breeds more prone to PLE?

Quick Answer: Yes, breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Basenjis, Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers, and Norwegian Lundehunds have a higher genetic risk for PLE.

This suggests genetic susceptibility influences disease development, though PLE can affect any breed.

What diet should dogs with protein-losing enteropathy follow?

Quick Answer: Dogs with PLE benefit from highly digestible, low-fat, and hypoallergenic diets designed to reduce intestinal inflammation and minimise protein loss.

Veterinary-prescribed diets tailored to the dog's specific needs help manage symptoms and improve nutrient absorption, supporting overall health.