Understanding Low Protein Levels in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
When a dog's blood protein levels are low, it's a sign that something is seriously wrong with their health. One of the most significant causes of low protein in dogs is a condition known as protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). This syndrome leads to substantial loss of proteins into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, surpassing the body's ability to replace them. It's not a single disease but rather a result of several different underlying health problems, most prominently chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) and intestinal lymphangiectasia.
Why Protein Is Important
Proteins are vital for:
- Maintaining fluid balance
- Supporting immune function
- Transporting nutrients through the bloodstream
- Enabling blood clotting mechanisms
When proteins like albumin and globulin drop to dangerously low levels, dogs can develop hypoproteinemia, leading to complications such as fluid build-up and even clotting disorders.
Common Causes of PLE
There are several underlying diseases that can cause PLE:
- Intestinal lymphangiectasia – Swelling and rupture of intestinal lymph vessels, either genetically or due to another disease
- Chronic inflammatory enteropathy (IBD) – Long-term inflammation of the intestines
- Neoplasia – Cancerous growths like lymphoma or adenocarcinoma
- Severe infections – Including parvovirus, histoplasmosis, or salmonella
- Ulcers or mechanical GI disruption
- Parasitic infections – Such as whipworms or hookworms
- Heart failure that increases lymphatic pressure
Dogs More at Risk
While PLE can affect any breed or age, certain breeds are more genetically disposed:
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Norwegian Lundehund
- Maltese
- Rottweiler
- Basenji
- Border Collie
- German Shepherd Dog
Recognizing the Symptoms
Key symptoms of low protein and PLE include:
- Chronic or intermittent diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss and muscle wasting
- Lethargy
- Swelling or edema of limbs and face
- Ascites – fluid accumulation in the abdomen
- Pleural effusion – fluid in the chest, leading to labored breathing
Some dogs may not show obvious GI signs, and low protein might be found during routine blood tests when hypoalbuminemia is discovered.
Diagnostic Process
Diagnosing the cause of low protein requires a combination of assessments:
- Bloodwork – to check for levels of albumin and other proteins, calcium, magnesium, and cholesterol
- Fecal alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor – indicates GI loss of proteins
- Imaging – such as abdominal ultrasounds for intestinal wall thickening or fluid build-up
- Endoscopy or biopsy – the gold standard to determine the underlying cause of PLE
- Rule out other causes – such as kidney disease, liver disease, or blood loss via urinalysis and other imaging
Treatment Approaches
Treatment is multifaceted and tailored to the specific underlying condition:
1. Dietary Management
- Low-fat, highly digestible diets for lymphangiectasia
- Hydrolyzed or novel protein diets for inflammatory conditions
- Multiple small meals to reduce GI burden
- Home-cooked or prescription diets supervised by a veterinary nutritionist
2. Medication
- Immunosuppressants – prednisone, cyclosporine, budesonide, chlorambucil
- Antibiotics or antifungals – if infections are the cause
- Vitamin supplementation – B12 (cobalamin), vitamin D, calcium
3. Supportive Care
- Fluids (used cautiously)
- Drainage (abdominocentesis/ thoracocentesis) for comfort
- Anticoagulants to reduce risk of blood clotting
4. Nutritional Support
Severely anorexic dogs may need feeding tubes, calorie adjustments, and intensive nutritional support for recovery.
Prognosis and Long-Term Management
The prognosis depends heavily on the underlying disease and the dog’s response to treatment. Some conditions, such as refractory IBD or severe lymphangiectasia, carry a guarded to poor prognosis. However, with early and aggressive therapy, many dogs live stable lives, although lifelong treatment and monitoring are often needed.
Key Takeaways
- PLE is a syndrome that leads to protein loss due to various underlying gastrointestinal diseases
- Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and swelling
- Low albumin levels are a hallmark diagnostic sign
- Diagnosis involves eliminating other causes and potentially performing a GI biopsy
- Management focuses on diet, medication, and preventing complications
If you suspect your dog may have low protein or symptoms associated with PLE, consult your veterinarian promptly for a thorough diagnostic workup and appropriate treatment plan.
