GI03 - An Undernutrition Screening Score Is Associated with Treatment Response in Dogs with Inflammatory Protein-losing Enteropathy

Abstract: Background: The impact of undernutrition in dogs with inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (iPLE) is currently unknown.

Objectives: To determine if an undernutrition screening score (USS) at the time of histopathologic diagnosis is associated with length of hospitalization, treatment response, clinical and biochemical remission, and death in dogs with iPLE.

Animals: Fifty-seven dogs with iPLE prospectively recruited from three referral hospitals in the U.K.

Methods: Dogs with iPLE were recruited at the time of histopathologic diagnosis. The USS and the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) were recorded at this time, along with historical and clinicopathologic data. The USS was scored out of 18 and consisted of parameters related to appetite, weight loss, and body, muscle and skin condition, with higher scores reflecting worse undernutrition. Follow-up was obtained for at least 6-months after histopathologic diagnosis.

Results: Dogs that were hospitalized for > 5 days had higher USS (p=0.005) and CCECAI (p< 0.001) at diagnosis. Dogs that failed to respond to treatment prescribed at diagnosis had higher USS (p=0.011) and CCECAI (p=0.002). Dogs that failed to achieve clinical remission within 6-months had higher USS (p=0.037) and CCECAI (p=0.041). Dogs that died or were euthanized due to iPLE within 6-months of diagnosis had higher CCECAI (P=0.001). The USS and CCECAI were positively correlated (p=.001, correlation-coefficient=.414).

Conclusions and clinical importance: A higher USS at diagnosis is associated with negative outcomes in dogs with iPLE. Further studies are required to determine if nutritional intervention to correct undernutrition at diagnosis, helps to improve these outcome parameters