Bentley has a form of PLE. He was scheduled for a biopsy to pinpoint which component he had, but unfortunately was never well enough to undergo the procedure. Bentley had Intestinal Lymphangiectasia, a form of PLE. A biopsy is very important not only for subsequent treatment (meds, food therapy, etc), but also because it tells you how advanced the disease is.
From what I've learned, the goal is to increase the levels of protein so that its manageable with meds and food therapy.
Unfortunately with Bentley his episodes of diarrhea were misdiagnosed so often that he was so ill by the time he was hospitalized. We were told he was a finicky eater and that's why he never gained weight. No one ever recommended a blood test. He was 2 1/2 years old and passed away in October. He spent 4 days in the ER and even with the best internists at hand, he eventually went into septic shock and had to be put down.
PLE is the loss of protein into the bowel. Fluid builds up in the legs, chest and in Bentley's case, his abdomen which in the end was very bloated. The last week he was drinking excessively, was very lethargic and his diarrhea was watery and dark.
Here's a couple of articles about PLE -
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/GI...nteropathy.htm http://yorkieviews.com/PLE.htm
If you need anything else, please let me know. And good luck to you. Just the fact that it was diagnosed correctly is a relief. Hopefully your baby will get better and you'll be able to manage it and keep it under control.
Cooper (my new baby) and I wish you good thoughts and prayers....