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

Abstract

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.