Protein-Losing Enteropathy in Dogs

Category: Digestive
Inheritance: Multifactorial
Breeds documented: 3
Published sources: 6

Overview

Protein-losing enteropathy, often shortened to PLE, means that too much protein is lost from the blood into the digestive tract. It is a syndrome caused by different underlying illnesses, rather than one single disease. Inflammation, cancer or problems with the intestine's fluid-drainage vessels can be involved. Affected dogs may lose weight or develop fluid swelling, even when vomiting and diarrhea are mild.

Signs to watch for

Unexplained weight loss
Vomiting
Diarrhea
A swollen belly from fluid buildup
Swelling under the skin, including the legs

Reported cases include young adult and older dogs.

When to get help Contact a vet soon for unexplained weight loss with vomiting.

Diagnosis and tests

Blood tests check for low protein, especially albumin, an important blood protein. The vet also investigates kidney and liver disease, which can lower blood protein for other reasons. Urine testing, ultrasound and stool tests help narrow the cause. Biopsies, small samples of intestinal tissue, are usually needed to identify the underlying bowel problem.

Breeds with documented risk

3 breeds

By breed size

1 Small
2 Medium

Soft Coated Wheaten TerrierMedium · Terrier Group
Norwegian LundehundSmall · Non-Sporting Group
WhoodleMedium

Inheritance

Multifactorial
Several genes and the environment together set the risk. Diet, growth rate, weight and exercise can all play a part. There is no single DNA test. Screening the parents (for example hip or elbow scores) and choosing from lines with good results lowers the risk, but does not remove it.
As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.