Nutritional Management of Canine Protein-losing Enteropathy: A Case-Based Discussion

Nutrition plays a critical role in the management of protein-losing enteropathies (PLEs). Indeed, nutritional therapy is often the most likely treatment to result in remission; however, the clinical response of dogs with PLE to nutritional therapy is complex and highly individualized. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for dogs with PLE, especially those presenting as referrals following multiple diet trials. In this session, we will use cases to illustrate how clinicians must be adaptive and thoughtful in their dietary plan for dogs with PLE with consideration of the need for modification of macronutrient class, dietary ingredients, and feeding management strategies. We will also demonstrate how to use the clues provided by the patient’s dietary history, clinical signs, and diagnostic results to carefully select when and how to make changes to the diet plan.