This is a Gastrointestinal condition.
Intestinal Lipid Malabsorption
What is Intestinal Lipid Malabsorption?
Intestinal lipid malabsorption affects the digestion of fat from the diet, specifically the long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Affected dogs are most severely affected as puppies and have stunted growth. They begin to normalize as they reach six months of age, but always have larger volumes of stool and fat present in their feces.
What are the signs & symptoms that develop in affected dogs?
Affected puppies are much smaller than their littermates, have a tremendous appetite, yellowish loose stool, and fail to thrive. When they are fed a solid diet with digestive enzyme supplementation, their stool begins to appear more normal. At six months, most clinical signs resolve, but they will always produce larger stools and do not tolerate high-fat foods.
When do signs and symptoms develop?
When affected dogs are born, they appear to be the same as their littermates. After a few weeks, they may show different rates of growth. They appear to outgrow most clinical signs by six months of age.
How do vets diagnose this condition?
This condition is diagnosed based on clinical signs and genetic testing. An intestinal biopsy can be used to assess changes associated with chronic inflammation.
How is this condition treated?
Low-fat diets and digestive enzyme supplements can be used to manage this condition.
What actions should I take if my dog is affected?
- Please follow your veterinarian’s nutrition advice and avoid high-fat diets.
