Frequency of signs of chronic gastrointestinal disease in dogs after an episode of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea

Background Acute enteropathy is a trigger of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease in humans. Objective To report the prevalence of and explore possible risk factors for signs of chronic GI disease in dogs after an episode of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea (AHD). Animals One hundred and fifty-one dogs, 80 dogs with a historical diagnosis of AHD, 71 control dogs with no history of AHD. Methods In this retrospective longitudinal study, data were collected from dogs with a historical diagnosis of AHD and healthy controls matched by breed, age and sex, aged between 1 year and 15 years of age, for which a follow-up of at least 12 months after enrolment was available. Dog owners responded to a questionnaire to determine the history of signs of chronic GI disease. Results There was a higher prevalence of signs of chronic GI disease in the dogs with a previous episode of AHD compared to control dogs (AHD 28%; controls 13%; P = .03; odds ratio = 2.57; confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.12-6.31) over a similar observation time (median 4 years; range, 1-12 years). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Severe intestinal mucosal damage and associated barrier dysfunction might trigger chronic GI disease later in life.

Automated summary

The study reported a higher prevalence of signs of chronic GI disease in dogs after an episode of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea (AHD), possibly due to severe intestinal mucosal damage and associated barrier dysfunction triggering chronic GI disease later in life.