Sessions

Canine protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a severe, often life-threatening chronic gastrointestinal syndrome. Although predicting disease outcome is of paramount importance for both veterinary decision-making and communicating with owners, a universally applicable prognostic scoring system is currently lacking in the international literature. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate potential prognostic factors of the syndrome within the patient population of the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest. We sought to identify baseline diagnostic markers and subsequent treatment protocols that could predict short- and long-term survival, as well as changes in clinical state.

Data from 44 dogs examined at the Small Animal Clinic between 2021 and 2025 were analyzed. Patient inclusion criteria required a serum albumin concentration of ≤ 25 g/L, a history of chronic gastrointestinal signs, and the exclusion of other protein-losing disorders. Patients' clinical and laboratory parameters, clinical activity indices and condition scores, along with dietary and medical treatments, were recorded at the time of diagnosis (T0). These data were compared with the results of the 3-month (T1) and 1-year (T2) follow-up examinations. Data were analyzed using strict non-parametric statistical methods. To account for multiple testing, a conservative Bonferroni-corrected threshold of p<0.0001 was considered statistically significant, whereas results not reaching this criterion but meeting the conventional level of significance (p<0.05) were interpreted as potential correlations that merit further investigation.

A breed predisposition was identified for Yorkshire Terriers and French Bulldogs within our study population. Based on our findings, younger age was associated with positive short- and long-term outcome. Consistent with the international literature, the severity of baseline hypoalbuminemia showed no statistical correlation with either short- or long-term survival. In contrast, the baseline count of neutrophil granulocytes, indicative of systemic inflammation, held prognostic value; in agreement with published international data, its elevation was predictive of a poorer short-term outcome. Furthermore, a hypoallergenic diet prior to T0 positively influenced the three-month survival, while vitamin B12 supplementation started post-T0 had a favorable effect on the one-year outcome. Several other clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic parameters showed no significant association with short-term survival. Despite limitations inherent to its retrospective design and small sample size, this research can serve as a valuable exploratory analysis to inform future large-scale, prospective studies.