Changes

==Description==

==Description==

'''Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)''' can result from any intestinal disease which produces sufficient [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]], congestion or bleeding.  This causes protein to leak into the intestines, which exceeds capacity of the gut lumen protein synthesis.  Hence, there are numerous causes of PLE, including [[Lymphangiectasia|lymphangiectasia]], infectious causes, structural causes, neoplasia, [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]], endoparasites and gastrointestinal [[Haemorrhage - Pathology|haemorrhage]].   

'''Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)''' refers to the loss of plasma proteins into the gastro-intestinal tract, exceeding the absorptive capacity of the intestines.  PLE can be caused by:

*Disruption to the intestinal wall due to [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]] or infiltrative disease

*Congestion caused by portal hypertension, posterior caval syndrome or right-sided heart failure

Hence, there are numerous causes of PLE in cats and dogs , including [[Lymphangiectasia|lymphangiectasia]], infectious causes, structural causes, neoplasia, [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]], endoparasites and gastrointestinal [[Haemorrhage - Pathology|haemorrhage]].   

The major causes of PLE in adult dogs are [[Inflammatory Bowel Disease|inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)]], alimentary tract lymphoma, fungal infections (e.g. [[Systemic Mycoses #Histoplasmosis|histoplasmosis]]).  Other causes include ulcerations or erosions, severe disease of intestinal crypts and parasites.  The most common causes in very young dogs are [[Uncinaria stenocephala|hookworms]] and chronic intussusception.  Chronic intussusception results from acute enteritis which has not resolved completely.  The animal shows some clinical improvement but diarrhoea still continues.  PLE is less common in cats than dogs, and most often caused by alimentary tract lymphoma and IBD.  Cats almost never suffer from [[Lymphangiectasia|lymphangiectasia]], and rarely have severe parasitic infection severe enough to cause PLE.  Non-intestinal diseases can be associated with PLE include ][[Heart Failure - Pathophysiology|congestive heart failure]], caval obstruction and portal hypertension.  However, these animals usually present with ascites rather than [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]].

The major causes of PLE in adult dogs are [[Inflammatory Bowel Disease|inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)]], alimentary tract lymphoma, fungal infections (e.g. [[Systemic Mycoses #Histoplasmosis|histoplasmosis]]).  Other causes include ulcerations or erosions, severe disease of intestinal crypts and parasites.  The most common causes in very young dogs are [[Uncinaria stenocephala|hookworms]] and chronic intussusception.  Chronic intussusception results from acute enteritis which has not resolved completely.  The animal shows some clinical improvement but diarrhoea still continues.  PLE is less common in cats than dogs, and most often caused by alimentary tract lymphoma and IBD.  Cats almost never suffer from [[Lymphangiectasia|lymphangiectasia]], and rarely have severe parasitic infection severe enough to cause PLE.  Non-intestinal diseases can be associated with PLE include ][[Heart Failure - Pathophysiology|congestive heart failure]], caval obstruction and portal hypertension.  However, these animals usually present with ascites rather than [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]].

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment of the underlying cause of disease, if possible.

Treatment of the underlying cause of disease should be initiated, if possible.

===Plasma transfusion===

===Plasma transfusion===

*Administration of [[Colloids|colloid]] may be more suitable if it is essential to increase the plasma oncotic pressure.

*Administration of [[Colloids|colloid]] may be more suitable if it is essential to increase the plasma oncotic pressure.

===[[Diuretics]]===

===[[The Effects of Diuretics on the Kidneys - Anatomy & Physiology|Diuretics]]===

*These can be used to reduce ascites.

*These can be used to reduce any ascites or pleural effusion.

*[[Heart Failure, Treatmen#C. Pharmacological |Spironolactone]] may be more effective than [[Heart Failure, Treatment#C. Pharmacological|frusemide]].

*[[Heart Failure, Treatment#C. Pharmacological |Spironolactone]] may be more effective than [[Heart Failure, Treatment#C. Pharmacological|frusemide]].

 

 

*Calcium carbonate may be added to the diet if a low serum concentration of ionised calcium is documented.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

=From Pathology=

=From Pathology=

===Causes of PLE===

===Causes of PLE===