Dietary Response of Dogs with Protein Losing Enteropathy: A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded Multicenter Clinical Study

Abstract: Background - Nutritional support of animals with Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is essential to compensate energy and protein losses. However, clinical evidence regarding precise type of diet is limited. Objective - To compare the clinical response of PLE dogs fed a low-fat diet or a combined hydrolysed, low-fat diet while receiving medical therapy. Animals - Twenty-six, client-owned dogs diagnosed with PLE were included. Exclusion criteria covered comorbidities/metabolic diseases. Methods - Dogs were randomly assigned to a control (n = 14, commercial 22% protein, 7% fat, as fed, 3450 kcal/kg) or test diet (n = 12, 25% hydrolyzed-protein, 7% fat, as fed, 3518 kcal/kg) and clinically evaluated at 0, 1, 3, 5, 10, 14, and 24 weeks. All dogs received veterinary care which included symptomatic treatment, immunosuppressives, antibiotics, and/or probiotics as determined by the veterinarian specialist. A Linear Mixed Model with diet and time and their respective interactions as fixed effects and dog as random term was used, significance set at p< 0.05. Drop-out rates were analyzed using Fisher's Exact Test. Results - Ten dogs completed the study. No statistical difference was seen between the diets for drop-out probability, body weight, Canine Inflammatory Bowel Activity Index (CIBDAI), Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index (CCECAI), or albuminemia. However, time had a significant impact on CIBDAI & CCECAI scores (P< 0.05). Conclusion and clinical importance - Dogs that completed the study improved their Clinical Activity indices under both dietary regimens. This can be associated with a better clinical outcome.