Martinis D.E. DVM, PgCertSAM, Plakentia Veterinary Clinic, Athens, Greece | Koutelidou D. DVM, Plakentia Veterinary Clinic, Athens, Greece | Karra K.E. DVM, GPCert(DI) ISVPS, Plakentia Veterinary Clinic, Athens, Greece
Introduction
Protein losing enteropathy in dogs is associated with hypercoagulability. However, clinical manifestation of a thromboembolic episode in these patients is uncommon. We present a case of aortic thrombosis in a dog with protein losing enteropathy.
Clinical case
A 10-years-old female, neutered Springer Spaniel, was referred to our clinic for investigation of aortic thrombosis after performing a CT scan. The patient had a history of intermittent diarrhea, and an acute paresis of hindlimbs developing in the previous days. After a series of diagnostic tests, hypoproteinaemia, hypocholesterolaemia and low serum folate were found, while the abdominal ultrasound revealed multifocally increased echogenicity of the mucosa of the small intestine. Heparin, clopidogrel, folate, cobalamin and a low fat and highly digestible diet were prescribed. After stabilization, gastroduodenoscopy was performed and biopsies were collected. The histopathological diagnosis was a moderate lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic gastritis- enteritis and a mild lymphangiectasia. A diagnosis of protein losing enteropathy was made and cyclosporine and prednisolone were prescribed.
Results
The clinical signs resolved and the abnormal biochemical parameters of the patient were corrected after initiation of treatment. One year later, the patient is healthy, while being treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone.
Conclusions
This case further justifies the notion of prescribing antithrombotics to dogs with protein losing enteropathy.
