Protein losing enteropathy in a nine month old mixed breed puppy

Abstract

Rocco, a nine month old intact male mixed breed puppy, presented to Cornell Emergency service on December 23, 2007 with a chief complaint of weight loss and abdominal distention of one day history. Diagnostics at the referring veterinarian and at Cornell indicated ascites, panhypoproteinemia, electrolyte abnormalities, and elevated amylase. Imaging showed normal thoracic radiographs. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a severely fluid-distended abdomen and jejunal lymphadenopathy. After a period of stabilization at home with diuretics, gastroprotectants, and vitamins, Rocco returned to Cornell for endoscopic biopsies. Biopsy results were non-definitive, however, treatment with corticosteroids, antibacterials, and diet modification for presumptive lymphangectasia were initiated. Long-term prognosis remains guarded although Rocco remains stable at this time.