Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)
Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE) is characterized as a loss of protein from the intestines due to intestinal disease. There can be many causes of PLE, but it’s important to note that there may be a hereditary component in Wheatens, predisposing them to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and/or intestinal lymphangiectasia.
- The average age of onset is 4½ years (range 0.5-11 years).
- A PLE dog may exhibit diarrhea, vomiting, edema/ascites, picky appetite, and weight loss. Since these are symptoms of many types of illness, serious and minor, proper diagnosis is important. Left untreated, PLE can become serious and fatal.
- Treatment is with medication and diet and can result in extended life.
- Learn more about Protein-Losing Enteropathy.
- Learn more about Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Testing for PLE
Early diagnosis of PLE can give your dog a better quality of life. Performing the Annual Testing Protocols can help your veterinarian diagnose PLE.
If you are concerned about PLE you may want to consider the following:
Annual fecal API testing in addition to annual blood and urine screening tests on healthy breeding dogs but should be aware there are situations in which the test can produce a false positive result. (The Fecal API test is not available at this time due to COVID).
Antech Canine CE-IBD Test: Antech Diagnostics is accelerating the diagnosis of CE/IBD with the Canine CE-IBD Assay. For the first time, a blood test can assess three gastrointestinal biomarkers and help determine the presence of CE/IBD in dogs with a high level of accuracy. You can consider discussing this test with your veterinarian. Learn more here
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