Clinical Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Canine Protein Deficiency: A Comprehensive Analysis of Canine Hypoproteinemia

Clinical Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Canine Protein Deficiency: A Comprehensive Analysis of Canine Hypoproteinemia

Canine protein deficiency, also known as hypoproteinemia, is a common canine disease. The main characteristic of this disease is a decrease in plasma protein content in dogs, leading to a decrease in colloid osmotic pressure and subsequent generalized edema. Protein is an essential component of the canine body, participating in various physiological functions such as muscle growth, immune regulation, tissue repair, etc. When the dog lacks protein, it can have a serious impact on health.

I. Causes of Canine Protein Deficiency

The causes of canine protein deficiency are complex and mainly include the following aspects:

1. Insufficient protein intake or absorption disorders

Lack of protein in food: Dogs eating food with insufficient protein content for a long time, such as a diet mainly composed of plant-based foods, can lead to insufficient protein intake.
Malabsorption: Diseases such as esophageal stenosis, chronic diarrhea, and intestinal parasites can lead to malabsorption, affecting protein absorption.

2. Excessive protein consumption

Massive blood loss: Blood loss caused by trauma, surgery, etc. will consume a large amount of protein.
Severe burns: Burns can lead to the loss of tissue protein, increasing protein requirements.
Febrile diseases, malignant tumors, cachexia: These diseases can accelerate protein catabolism, leading to increased protein consumption.
Pleurisy, peritonitis, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, etc.: These diseases can cause protein loss, leading to a decrease in plasma protein levels.

3. Protein synthesis disorders

Liver disease: The liver is the main site of protein synthesis. Liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, etc. can affect liver function and lead to protein synthesis disorders.

II. Clinical Symptoms of Canine Protein Deficiency

The clinical symptoms of canine protein deficiency are usually manifested in the following aspects:

1. Leanness, abnormal hair

Leanness: Dogs have significant weight loss and muscle atrophy.
Hair is rough and hard: Hair loses its luster and becomes rough and hard, prone to shedding.

2. Poor appetite, pale mucous membranes

Poor appetite: Dogs have a decreased interest in food and reduced food intake.
Pale visible mucous membranes: Due to the decrease in hemoglobin content, the visible mucous membranes of dogs (such as oral mucous membranes and conjunctival membranes) will become pale.

3. Generalized edema

Edema: Due to the decrease in plasma protein content and colloid osmotic pressure, interstitial fluid leaks out, forming edema. Edema usually appears in the eyelids, abdominal cavity, limbs, etc.

4. Decreased resistance

Immunodeficiency: Protein is the main component of antibodies. Protein deficiency can lead to reduced immune function and susceptibility to infections.

5. Laboratory examinations

Decreased plasma total protein levels: The total plasma protein content in adult dogs is 5.3-7.5 g%, and albumin is 3-4.8 g%. If the total plasma protein is reduced to 5 g% or below, and albumin is reduced to 3 g% or below, it can be considered as protein deficiency.

III. Preventive and Therapeutic Measures for Canine Protein Deficiency

Treatment of canine protein deficiency requires targeted treatment based on the cause.

1. Dietary therapy

Supplement protein: Give dogs food rich in protein and high calories, such as soy milk, milk, fish, meat, eggs, etc., at a rate of 2-3 g per day per kg of body weight.
Gradually increase food intake: If there is diarrhea, the food intake should be increased slowly to avoid digestive disorders.

2. Salt control

Limit salt: For dogs with severe edema, salt intake can be temporarily limited to reduce edema.

3. Drug treatment

Amino acid preparations: Can supplement essential amino acids of protein to promote protein synthesis.
Vitamins: Can supplement vitamins to enhance body immunity.
Glucose: Can supplement energy to improve the dog's physical condition.
Hydrolyzed protein: Easy-to-digest and absorb protein, suitable for dogs with poor digestive function.

4. Blood transfusion

Blood transfusion: For severely anemic dogs, blood transfusion should be performed to supplement blood protein and hemoglobin.

IV. Summary of Experience

The prevention and treatment of canine protein deficiency need to comprehensively consider the dog's nutritional needs, living environment, disease history, etc.

Provide a balanced diet: Choose high-quality dog food with sufficient protein content, and adjust the dietary ratio according to the dog's breed, age, activity level, etc.
Regular check-ups: Regularly bring the dog for check-ups to detect and treat potential diseases in a timely manner.
Pay attention to environmental hygiene: Keep the dog's living environment clean to prevent parasitic infections.
Strengthen management: Avoid accidental trauma, burns, etc. in dogs to control the occurrence of diseases.

Through comprehensive preventive and therapeutic measures, the occurrence of canine protein deficiency can be effectively controlled, and the health level of dogs can be improved.

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