 Protein losing enteropathy
I have never seen this mentioned on here and thought it would be good to post info on this disease that can affect yorkies.
Disease Name
Protein losing enteropathy
Organ System Involved
Gastrointestinal
Alternative disorders described within LIDA
Intestinal malabsorption
Alternative Names
Intestinal malabsorption
Malabsorption syndrome
Brief Description
There is a certain level of protein normally present in the fraction of blood called 'plasma'. In protein losing enteropathy (PLE) this plasma protein is lost via the gastrointestinal tract.
Presenting Signs
Protein losing enteropathy is due to loss of blood plasma protein through the gastrointestinal tract (intestines). This can happen if the gut wall is damaged and protein-rich fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the intestine. It can also happen if lymphatic drainage is poor (the lymphatic system is a series of vessels that drain fluid). Clinically, it can be detected in a number of ways. One of the most common signs of PLE is long-term watery diarrhoea. Other signs, such as vomiting and severe weight loss, are also seen in some affected dogs. Also, dogs with this disease have excess fluid under the skin, in the abdomen and in the chest cavity around the lungs. In some cases, various skin problems such as allergy and skin and ear infections are present.
Dogs at Risk
Most common in younger dogs, especially females.
Treatment
Medical
Related Disorders
Food hypersensitivity
Hypocholesterdemia
Inflammatory bowel disease
Lipogranulomatous lymphangitis
Lymphgiectasia
Panhypoproteinemia
Protein losing nephropathy
Thromboembolic |