Allenspach, K. et al.
2021
Veterinary Pathology

Chronic enteropathies (CE) in dogs is a complex diagnosis, with genetic factors playing a significant role. Some dog breeds, including German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs), Weimaraners, Rottweilers, Border Collies, and Boxers, have a higher likelihood of developing CE. The genetic inheritance for this condition is typically polygenic, meaning multiple mutations contribute to an increased risk of disease development. These mutations often appear in pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like nucleotide oligomerization domain-2 (NOD2) and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) receptors. In GSDs, research has discovered associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in canine TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 and CE.
Novel biomarkers show promise in diagnosing canine CE, such as serum antibodies that detect pANCA, transglutaminase, gliadin, E. coli OmpC, and flagellin. Large-scale clinical studies are necessary to determine the clinical utility of these tests. Other tests with potential, pending preclinical validation, include genetic tests for mutations in canine EEF1A1 and miRNA panels in serum and fecal samples of dogs with CE.