The purpose of this study was to evaluate Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers (SCWTs) affected with
protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) or
protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) or both for
allergy to food. We performed gastroscopic
food-sensitivity testing, a provocative dietary trial, and measurement of fecal
immunoglobulin E (
IgE) in 6 SCWTs affected with PLE or PLN or both. Positive gastroscopic
food-sensitivity test reactions were noted in 5 of 6 dogs. Positive reactions were found to milk in 4 dogs, to lamb in 2 dogs, and to wheat and chicken each in 1 dog. Adverse reactions to food (
diarrhea,
vomiting, or
pruritus) were detected in all 6 dogs during the provocative dietary trial. Adverse reactions were found to corn in 5 dogs, to tofu in 3 dogs, to cottage cheese in 2 dogs, to milk in 2 dogs, to farina cream of wheat in 2 dogs, and to lamb in 2 dogs.
Serum albumin concentrations significantly decreased and fecal alpha1-protease inhibitor concentration significantly increased 4 days after the provocative trial when compared with baseline values.
Antigen-specific fecal
IgE varied throughout the provocative trial, with peak levels following ingestion of test meals. We conclude that
food hypersensitivities are present in SCWTs affected with the syndrome of PLE/PLN. Mild
inflammatory bowel disease was already established in the 6 SCWTs of this report at the time of study, making it impossible to determine if
food allergies were the cause or result of the enteric disease.