What is immunoproliferative enteropathy?

This condition involves chronic intestinal inflammation or structural changes that cause maldigestion, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Diagnosis requires blood tests, imaging, or endoscopy, and the vet will arrange ongoing monitoring and treatment.

What tests will the vet perform at the appointment?

Common tests include a physical examination, blood biochemistry, urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound. Endoscopy or imaging-guided biopsy may also be arranged to identify the cause more precisely.

How long does treatment take before improvement is seen?

Response to treatment depends on the underlying cause and individual variation. Some cases show symptom improvement within a few weeks, but follow-up and adjustment over weeks to months is common. Regular check-ups as advised by your vet are recommended.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Basenji Immunoproliferative Enteropathy in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Care Guide [2025]

Basenji immunoproliferative enteropathy is a serious intestinal disease unique to the Basenji breed. It causes chronic diarrhoea, protein-losing enteropathy, and lymphangiectasia. The prognosis is guarded, and lifelong dietary management and medication are required.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, WSAVA, Taiwan Veterinary Internal Medicine Society

When to See a Vet

Immediate veterinary care needed (emergency)

•Persistent severe vomiting that cannot be controlled
•Repeated diarrhea with obvious dehydration or weakness
•Severe abdominal pain, a hunched posture, and inability to walk

Schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible (within 24-72 hours)

•Markedly decreased appetite for several consecutive days with weight loss
•Increasing frequency of vomiting or vomit containing blood streaks
•Changes in bowel habits, including soft stool or bloody stool

01What Symptoms Indicate a Problem?

This condition typically presents as chronic or intermittent gastrointestinal upset, mainly characterised by decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Symptoms can persist for weeks to months.

Persistent or recurring loss of appetite with a noticeable reduction in food intake
Repeated vomiting or increased frequency of vomiting, sometimes containing undigested food
Diarrhoea, loose stools, or changes in stool consistency and frequency
Progressive weight loss, muscle wasting, or noticeable emaciation
Abdominal distension or ascites, with visible oedema

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ If your pet shows signs of dehydration, persistent vomiting, or severe abdominal pain, seek veterinary assessment as soon as possible.

02How to Assess at Home? Key Observations and When to Seek Emergency Care

Systematically recording symptom details at home helps your vet quickly understand the disease progression and treatment response.

Track daily changes in appetite, meal times, and actual food intake
Note the frequency, timing, and content of vomiting episodes, and whether blood is present
Take photos or videos of stools and record their frequency and consistency
Weigh your pet weekly and track the trend to monitor weight loss
Observe whether energy levels and activity have declined and note any changes

03How Will the Vet Diagnose? Common Diagnostic Tests

At the clinic, physical examination combined with imaging and laboratory tests will be used to identify possible causes and assess your pet's overall condition.

Physical examination

abdominal palpation, dehydration assessment, and body condition scoring

Blood and biochemistry tests

to evaluate systemic metabolism and organ function

Urinalysis

to help assess kidney function and detect concurrent infections

Abdominal ultrasound

to examine the intestinal wall, lymph nodes, and check for ascites

Advanced imaging or endoscopy (if biopsy or more detailed evaluation is needed)

04How to Treat and Care for Your Pet After Diagnosis? Medication, Dietary Adjustments & Care Guide

Treatment typically involves medication and dietary adjustments, with regular follow-up examinations to assess effectiveness and monitor for side effects.

Follow your vet's medication instructions and attend regular check-ups to monitor blood tests and clinical response
Transition to or maintain a specific gastrointestinal prescription diet to help manage intestinal symptoms
Schedule regular blood and imaging tests to monitor disease progression and detect complications
Continue to record appetite, vomiting, and bowel habits at home and report findings to your vet
If symptoms fluctuate or worsen, return to the clinic or seek specialist referral as advised by your vet

05What to Prepare Before the Vet Visit? Key Information to Help Your Vet Identify the Cause Quickly

Document when symptoms first appeared, how they have progressed, and any steps already taken

Note recent food types, brands, and actual daily intake

Prepare photos or videos of vomiting episodes and stools for the vet's reference

List all current and previous medications, supplements, and health products

Bring any previous test reports or imaging results, and book a clinic equipped for advanced diagnostics

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.