Has your dog been diagnosed with Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE) or Canine Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (CIL)? PLE and CIL have symptoms similar to IBD or IBS, including diarrhea, weight loss and poor appetite. All of these conditions involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, but PLE and CIL are malabsorption disorders. This means that fats, proteins, and other nutrients are not absorbed properly. PLE and CIL can affect dogs of any age or breed, but are more commonly seen in certain breeds, such as the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Shar-pei and the Yorkshire Terrier. PLE is most often found in yorkies
Treatment for PLE and lymphangiectasia usually focuses on addressing the symptoms and providing supportive care. This can include dietary modifications and PLE supplements to reduce inflammation and support the GI tract.
Approaching lymphangiectasia and protein losing enteropathy (PLE) from a holistic perspective can be helpful. Here are a few natural supplements that may be considered for dogs with PLE or lymphangiectasia:
- Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help support a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestive function. The damaged or inflamed intestines associated with PLE and CIL can impair nutrient absorption. Probiotics can help improve the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food, to enhance nutrient utilization and minimize nutritional deficiencies. Many dogs with PLE and lymphangiectasia experience GI symptoms such as chronic diarrhea and malabsorption. Power Probiotic can help reduce GI inflammation and restore a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is a powerful, multi-strain probiotic that has been formulated just for pets.
Digestive Enzymes: Dogs with PLE and lymphangiectasia may have compromised digestive enzyme production or secretion. Supplementing with digestive enzymes, such as proteases, amylases, and lipases, can help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to improve nutrient absorption. Digestive enzymes can help minimize digestive discomfort and address malabsorption issues commonly seen in dogs with PLE and lymphangiectasia. K9 Digestive Enzymes contains HCL and pancreatin along with powerful enzymes to help your dog break down and absorb protein and fats. LypoZyme is a gentle, yet effective plant-based alternative for sensitive dogs.
Digestive Relief: Herbal ingredients, such as marshmallow root, papaya leaf, rhodiola rosea, mastic gum and gota kola, can help to relieve gas, pain, diarrhea and indigestion. Using natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation and support the healing of the gastrointestinal tract. Soothing Digestive Relief contains a special blend of time-tested herbs and plant enzymes that are scientifically proven to calm and soothe the digestive tract. Gastro ULC contains mastic gum and deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract to help repair the stomach lining and relieve abdominal discomfort, pain and inflammation.
Plant Sterols: Plant sterols have been studied for potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects and immune modulation. By balancing the immune response and reducing inflammation, plant sterols may help alleviate symptoms associated with PLE and lymphangiectasia. Immune Harmony contains natural plant sterols to help modulate and balance your dog's immune response.
Hemp Extract: CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may have potential benefits in managing the inflammation associated with lymphangiectasia and PLE. Many pet owners and veterinarians have reported anecdotal benefits of CBD for certain digestive issues in dogs. Happy Paws Drops contains 550mg of full spectrum hemp extract in an unflavored all-natural coconut oil base. Each 1oz bottle 100% organic. Made in the USA.
Could your small dog or yorkie with PLE benefit from nutritional support? Diet changes can be life-changing for dogs with PLE and CIL. What many pet owners don't realize is that there are a lot of foods that can cause a cascade of inflammation in the intestinal tract. It's important to avoid highly allergenic foods such as poultry, grains and dairy. A low-fat, highly digestible novel protein diet is helpful for many dogs with PLE and lymphangiectasia. Please include your dog's age, weight, current diet and health issues on the order form at checkout. Our pet nutritionist will review the information and include diet tips for your dog on the packing slip that comes with the product directions.
Author: Susan Blake Davis
Originally Posted 7/12/2023
Revised: 3/13/2024
