GI11 - Prevalence and Clinical Features of Dogs with Chronic Enteropathy at Two Large Swedish Animal Hospitals

Abstract: Background: Information about prevalence of canine chronic enteropathy (CE) is limited.

Objectives: Investigate period prevalence, clinical features and diagnostic results of CE in dogs at two Swedish animal hospitals.

Animals: 814 dogs with CE.

Methods: A retrospective medical record search was performed to identify dogs with CE including dogs with ≥ 3 visits because of gastrointestinal disease and/or undergone gastroduodenoscopy/colonoscopy during 2013-2018. Dog characteristics, case history, physical examination, diagnostic results, therapeutic protocol- and response were recorded.

Results: 814 dogs met inclusion criteria for CE. Period prevalence of CE was 1.1% of total number of dogs visiting the hospitals, and 4.4% of all dogs presenting with gastrointestinal signs. Breeds with highest risk were Norwegian Lundehund, West Highland White Terrier, and Miniature Poodle. Dogs presented at median age of 3.8 (IQR 1.8-6.8) years. French Bulldogs and Miniature Schnauzers presented younger (below 2.5 years) compared to other breeds (P < 0.05). In a subset of dogs, hypoalbuminemia (116/662, 17.5%), hypocobalaminemia (98/647, 15.1%), and increased C-reactive protein (145/267, 54.3%) were recorded. Treatment outcome was classified in 72.9% of dogs, and characterized as immunosuppressant-responsive (55.2%), food-responsive (11.4%), non-responsive (5.2%) and antibiotic-responsive (1.1%). Non-responsive dogs were more likely to present with hypoprotein/albuminemia, anemia, and high CRP (P < 0.05).

Conclusions and clinical importance: Prevalence of dogs with CE at Swedish hospitals was in agreement with earlier reports. Risk breeds differed slightly from previous reports and earlier age of CE onset was found in two breeds. The largest proportion of dogs was immunosuppressant-responsive and the smallest antibiotic-responsive.