[Protein-losing enteropathy in Rottweilers].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the signs, histopathological features, and treatment outcome of a not previously described protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) in Rottweiler dogs.


METHODS
A retrospective study involving 17 Rottweilers referred for PLE. Data on sex, age, presenting signs, histopathological diagnosis, and treatment outcome were collected. The canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) score was calculated, to quantify disease severity. Endoscopic intestinal biopsies were evaluated according to the guidelines of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) gastrointestinal standardization group.


RESULTS
Presenting signs were watery diarrhoea and weight loss. In all dogs with PLE in this study, the abnormalities found were consistent with a form of inflammatory bowel disease. Some of the dogs had a secondary infection with Giardia or Cyniclomyces guttulatus. In 10 dogs (59%) the CIBDAI score was 9 or higher, indicative of severe disease. Histopathological findings revealed lymphoplasmacellular enteritis, with lymphangiectasia in 14 (82%) dogs and eosinophil infiltration in 10 (59%) dogs. Eleven (65%) dogs were euthanized or died because of the intestinal disease. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a median survival time of 5 months, with a 1-year survival rate of 47%. Seven (4%) dogs were disease-free after treatment with immunosuppressants and dietary measures, but some relapsed (median disease-free interval 21 months).


CONCLUSIONS
In Rottweilers presenting with chronic diarrhoea and weight loss, clinicians should consider the presence of severe PLE, which has a poor prognosis.
Dijkstra
M
M
Medisch Centrum voor Dieren, afdeling interne genees-kunde, Weesperzijde 147, 1091 ET Amsterdam.
Kraus
J S
JS
Bosje
J T
JT
Den Hertog
E
E
D000818:Animals; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011504:Protein-Losing Enteropathies / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents