Gluten-sensitive Enteropathy of Irish Setters
Gluten, a protein in wheat and other cereals such as barley, is responsible for an inflammatory disease of intestinal tract (enteropahy) of Irish setters. Gluten-sensitive enteropathy is due to a product of gluten digestion which is toxic to mucosal cells and causes an immune response.
Signs
The disease is characterized by inflammation of the small intestine resulting in failure in uptaking of nutrients through the lining of the intestines. Inflammation is usually manifested by pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Enteropathy causes malabsorption of iron, calcium, vitamins, and other vital nutrients.
A familial gluten-sensitive enteropathy has been described in Irish setters but gluten sensitivity is likely to affect a wide number of dogs and cats. In Irish setters the disease is seen between 4 and 7 months of age. Affected puppies fail to gain weight and have chronic diarrhea.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on resolution of signs when the animal is fed gluten-free diet and recurrence of clinical signs when the diet is withdrawn. Diagnosis is further confirmed by low folate levels but normal vitamin B12 levels. A definitive diagnosis is made from biopsy of the small intestine.
Treatment
Affected dogs should be placed on a gluten-free diet and maintained on this once symptoms have disappeared. This means the diet must be free from cereal products. Rice-based foods and canned meat should be used. In some cases, dietary treatment must continue for months or years before remission is seen. Commercial pet foods contain some form of gluten, and even small amounts can prevent recovery.
The prognosis is generally good so long as the condition is not advanced. With time, affected animals can lose an allergy to gluten and recover tolerance for this food.
Learn more on folic acid here.
References
- John K. Dunn. Textbook of Small Animal Medicine
- James W. Simpson and Roderick W. Else. Digestive Disease in the Dog and Cat
- Donald R. Strombeck. Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative
|