PhD student Rakuno Gakuen University Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
Abstract:
Background: Inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (iPLE) may predispose dogs to thromboembolism. Little information is available regarding the prevalence of thromboembolism in dogs with iPLE.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of thromboembolism in dogs with iPLE and to compare clinical and clinicopathologic variables between iPLE dogs with and without thromboembolism.Animals: Twenty-one client-owned dogs with iPLE.
Methods: Dogs definitively diagnosed with iPLE based on standard diagnostic criteria and histopathology were prospectively recruited between January 2019 and December 2023. At the time of gastrointestinal endoscopic examination, thoracic and abdominal computed tomography angiography was performed in dogs with iPLE for the investigation of thromboembolism. Written informed consent was obtained from all owners. Clinical (e.g., clinical severity, use of corticosteroids) and clinicopathologic (e.g., albumin, coagulation parameters) variables were compared between iPLE dogs with and without thromboembolism (Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, and the Student’s t-test or the Mann-Whiney U test for continuous variables). Statistical significance was set at P ＜ 0.05.
Results: Thromboembolism was found in 3/21 dogs (14.3%) with iPLE. In these three iPLE dogs, thrombi were found in pulmonary artery, portal vein, and external iliac artery, respectively. Antithrombin activity was significantly lower in iPLE dogs with thromboembolism compared to those without thromboembolism (mean ± standard deviation, 59.3±31.0 % vs. 103.7±27.6 %; P = 0.02).Conclusion and Clinical Importance: This study prospectively revealed the prevalence of thromboembolism in dogs with iPLE. Decreased antithrombin activity might be associated with thromboembolism in dogs with iPLE.
