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 may want to consider doing 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.
Updated