Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE), IBD & Digestive Issues
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.
- There is no genetic test for PLE.
- Wheaten Webinar on PLE, IBD Food Allergies and the Gulpies - Meryl Littman VMD, DACVIM
- Wheaten Webinar on PLE Early Marker Study - Katie Tolbert, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM
Recruiting Healthy Soft- Coated Wheaten Terriers - Read more here
We are recruiting for a study to evaluate how diet will benefit soft- coated wheaten terriers (SCWT), which are a breed known to be predisposed to chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease. SCWTs are prone to developing severe GI signs. We have determined that SCWT develop changes in their gut before clinical signs develop. However, it is unknown if these changes are preventable with early diet intervention. The goal of this study is to determine if feeding a veterinary therapeutic diet will improve the GI health of SCWT. Read more here
Testing for PLE/IBD/Digestive Issues:
Early diagnosis of PLE and other digestive issues 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, IBD or digestive issues you may want to consider the following tests and webinars:
- Wheaten Webinar For Gulpies, IBD, Food Allergies
- Texas A & M GI Panel: For dogs that are suspect for IBD, PLE and other gastro panel researchers are now recommending the TAMU GI Panel. You should discuss this with your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing these GI issues.
Excessive Gagging and Gulping:
Many owners have reported that their Wheaten Terrier has a swallowing issue known to pet owners as Gulpies. Read more about this issue.
Wheatens on a hydrolyzed diet might need a pill pocket to take their medication. Here are ways to maintain the dogs diet and feed a pill.
Pumpkin Homemade Dog Pill Pocket Recipe:
- 1 Tablespoon of water
- 1 Tablespoon of canned pumpkin
- 2 Tablespoons of tapioca flour (do not make a substitution)
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Scoop 1/2 teaspoon of dough into balls, and place on lined baking sheet. Use the back of a chopstick (or something similar) to form indentations in each ball.
- Sure in the fridge for up to one week, or the freezer up to 6 months. Defrost more as needed.
Other Option to Hide a Pill:
Vegan Marshmallows
*Thanks to Dr. Katie Tolbert DVM, Ph.D. DACVIm (SAIM SA nutrition) for this recipe and idea.
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