Clinical approach to chronic enteropathy using capsule endoscopy in two dogs

Abstract

Chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs presents with persistent symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and changes in appetite. Traditional diagnostic methods, including blood tests, ultrasound, and endoscopy, often fail to assess the entire small intestine. Capsule endoscopy offers a non-invasive approach, enabling comprehensive visualization of the gastrointestinal tract and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. In case 1, a 10-year-old Maltese with chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss underwent capsule endoscopy, revealing severe lacteal dilation and moderate gastric erythema, leading to a diagnosis of severe intestinal lymphangiectasia and moderate enteritis. Despite initial corticosteroid therapy and dietary changes, clinical improvement was limited. In case 2, an 11-year-old mixed-breed dog with chronic vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss was assessed. Capsule endoscopy detected moderate gastric erythema, severe small intestinal irregularities, and jejunal bleeding, diagnosing mild esophagitis, moderate gastritis, and severe enteritis with hemorrhage. Treatment with a hypoallergenic diet, corticosteroids, and acid suppressants resulted in gradual symptom relief. This report demonstrates that capsule endoscopy can be utilized as a screening tool for evaluating the mucosal status in patients with CE.