Basenji enteropathy
Basenji enteropathy is a severe, hereditary form of LPE that has been well characterized in Basenjis, although the mode of inheritance remains unclear. It has been likened to immuno- proliferative small intestinal disease (IPSID) of humans as both conditions are associated with intense intestinal inflammation, but a typically associated gammopathy (alpha heavy-chain disease) and predisposition to lymphoma does not occur in Basenjis.
The intestinal lesions in Basenjis are characterized by increases in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells.52,54Clinical signs
Lymphoplasmacytic gastritis, with hypergastrinemia and mucosal hyperplasia, causing vomiting may be seen in addition to the enteropathy. However, signs of chronic intractable diarrhea and emaciation are most common and usually progressive. PLE often occurs with consequent hypoalbuminemia, although edema and ascites are not common. In severe cases spontaneous intestinal perforation may occur.
Treatment
Treatment is generally unsuccessful, with progressive clinical signs and dogs dying within months of diagnosis. However, early aggressive combination treatment with prednisolone, antibiotics, and dietary modification (see above) may achieve remission in some cases.
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