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Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

Posted: 21 Sep 2021, 15:32
by smartblonde612
My 8 year old Cavalier was diagnosed with EPI back in March. We put him on enzymes and after some trial and error with diet, most of his symptoms have been controlled with 3 exceptions:
He is starving all the time and he eats his own and our other dog's poop. He also has a noxious odor that began when we started him on the enzymes. It has improved but not gone away completely.
Lastly, he hasn't gained back much weight and his most recent blood work now shows he has Protein Losing Enteropathy.
Does anyone have experience with this?
Our vet recommended we switch him to Purina HA (Hydrolyzed) vegetarian formula and nothing else for at least 6 weeks, then repeat his blood work.
If anyone has tips on managing both EPI and PLE, it will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Vicki

Re: Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

Posted: 21 Sep 2021, 19:35
by jilbert57
Hi Vicki, welcome to the group. That odor really never goes away, just may get faint. You can try wiping your pups face with a wet cloth after eating or encouraging water drinking to rinse the mouth.
I have contacted our founder Olesia. She has had to manage PLE in one of her pups.

Jill

Re: Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

Posted: 21 Sep 2021, 22:52
by Olesia711
Hi Vicki,

Jill contacted me about this (thank Jill).... with PLE sometimes the first line of defense in managing it is with diet. Your vet is spot on to try a hydrolyzed diet.... there are cases where hydrolyzed, or home made low fat has resolved PLE..... the other treatment is steroid and metronidazole.... although i wonder if Tylan can be substituted for metronidazole nowadays.

HOWEVER.... since your pup also has EPI..... please ask your vet if instead of trying Purina HA (Hydrolyzed) if your vet would consider letting you try Royal Canin Ultamino (Hydrolyzed). The reason why i am suggesting this is because EPI dogs that also are battling IBD often have to also be placed on a hydrolyzed food. out of the 5 real veterinarian / prescription hydrolyzed foods available.... EPI dogs overall seem to do much better on the Ultamino vs. the Purina HA. This is not to say that Purina HA won't work, it may or may not.... it is just that we have seen better success with the Royal Canine Ultamino. Please share this with your vet and keep us posted.

Re: Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

Posted: 23 Sep 2021, 06:26
by Jean
you have the best advice here I have no experience at all

j

Re: Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

Posted: 23 Sep 2021, 07:51
by Patsy
My springer had PLE as part of her epi diagnosis years ago. Vet said she was two weeks from dying. He could hear fluid within her abdomen and round her heart and lungs, confirmed by x ray. He said this was more lethal than her epi and put her on steroids rising to 25mg and the Uk choice of antibiotic, oxytetracycline. Plus her epi enzymes. The PLE resolved after a few months.she had other weird conditions with her skin. When she was a chunky 10 year old, she had a grade one heart murmer that never caused issues.
Cavaliers are prone to mitral valve heart disease , so it’s good your vet is careful. You sound to be in good hands.
I can reassure you that my Marti, in the avatar regained her weight and healthy coat despite early struggles,
She was difficult with food, and at first I just had to hand feed her anything she would accept with the enzymes. I agree that hypoallergenic food is advisable nowadays. But if it’s too bland, just get any low fat wet food down .
It’s all a nightmare at first, but believe me , it gets better once you see solid poops!

Re: Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

Posted: 23 Sep 2021, 11:48
by Olesia711
Thanks Patsy for sharing your personal experience with PLE.... PLE can be a real struggle! But it always helps to hear other's personal experience.