Chronic Enteric Disease and Hypoproteinemia in 9 Dogs

Abstract

SUMMARY Signs of chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract were detected in 9 dogs. Features common to all dogs were an increase in or redistribution of body fluids (manifested as edema, ascites, and hydrothorax) and hypoproteinemia. Evidence suggested that protein loss from the intestinal tract was a cause of the hypoproteinemia. Excessive loss of intravenously administered 51 Cr-labelled human albumin from the intestines was documented in 3 dogs. Impaired intestinal absorption may also have been a factor in the development of hypoproteinemia, inasmuch as fat and carbohydrate absorption were impaired in some dogs. Although the cause(s) of the disease could not be established, several dogs had dilatation of intestinal lymphatics, suggesting blockage of these structures.