Basenji Health Information - IPSID

Description

IPSID stands for immunoproliferative small intestinal disease, but it is a disease of many names. It is also called basenji enteropathy, immunoproliferative lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, basenji diarrheal syndrome, and malabsorption

IPSID is one of several different types of inflammatory bowel disease, which result in the dog not being able to utilize and absorb nutrients correctly from food.

Genetic predisposition

While IPSID is considered to be inherited, inheritance alone appears to be only one of the factors involved. When normal Basenjis have food allergies or a viral or bacterial infection and they become sick, at worst, they will come down with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With proper medical care they can be cured or maintained for life. A dog genetically predisposed to IPSID and its resultant immunicological weakness might start with plain vanilla IBD and eventually progress to IPSID. Stress of a physical or emotional nature also seems to be a factor.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include diarrhea (both large and small bowel), vomiting, weight loss, protein loss, increased or decreased appetite, depression, and gas. The type of symptoms and their severity differ from dog to dog, and from one time to another. Dogs with IPSID often will have good periods and bad periods. While the prognosis has been very poor I have been hearing of dogs that do well using a holistic approach to treating the disease. I have also talked to one holistic vet who feels comfortable treating a dog with IPSID with the possibility of returning it to health.

Typical diagnosis and treatment

Most of the time vets will use a process of elimination to diagnose IPSID. Blood serum protein levels may be low. Barium x-rays may show an enlarged section of the intestine. Biopsy is the only reliable way to diagnose IPSID; it is done to rule out irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome and disease, lymphangiectasia (which most basenjis with IPSID have as a secondary condition), colitis, cancer, and systemic fungal infections. Endoscopic biopsies are preferred to prevent complications with healing.

The traditional methods of treating IPSID include systemic prednisone and antibiotics. Symptoms may diminish or increase over time, and a veterinarian must oversee treatment and changes to treatment. IPSID affected dogs may be adverse bacterial reservoirs, and can harbor organisms that may cause problems for other dogs in the household.

Diet

It may be a good idea to change the dog's diet to one that is better tolerated and allows better nutrient utilization. Some veterinarians suggest switching diets on a monthly basis. A homemade diet also can be used. Additional vitamin supplementation may be indicated.

Further resources

There are holistic veterinarians who treat IPSID. Some will do phone consults and will work with your allopathic veterinarian.