Small mammal proliferative enteropathy (SPE) is a serious intestinal disease that affects small mammals including guinea pigs, chinchillas, and hedgehogs. The disease is caused by an infection of the bacteria Lawsonia intracellularis, which can cause severe damage to the small intestine. Clinical signs of SPE can include diarrhea, weight loss, poor coat condition, dehydration, anorexia, and even death.
SPE can be difficult to diagnose due to the similarity of its signs to other diseases and conditions. Diagnosis is usually made through blood work, fecal analysis, ultrasound or radiographs, or biopsy of affected areas. Treatment of SPE includes antibiotics such as ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfa, doxycycline, or enrofloxacin. In addition to antibiotics, supportive care such as fluid therapy, nutritional support, and probiotics can also be necessary.
Prevention of SPE can include good sanitation and hygiene practices, avoiding overcrowding of small mammals in enclosures, and regularly monitoring for signs of infection. Vaccines are not available for this disease at this time. With proper treatment and prevention , SPE can be managed successfully in small mammals.
Symptoms of Small Mammal Proliferative Enteropathy
The most common symptoms of SPE in small mammals include:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Dehydration
- Anorexia
- Lethargy or depression
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
Diagnosing Small Mammal Proliferative Enteropathy
SPE can be difficult to diagnose due to the similarity of its signs with other diseases and conditions. Diagnosis is usually made through blood work, fecal analysis, ultrasound or radiographs, or biopsy of affected areas.
Stages of Small Mammal Proliferative Enteropathy
There are four stages of SPE, each with its own set of symptoms:
Stage 1
In this stage, an animal will have mild diarrhea and poor coat condition.
Stage 2
In this stage, the animal can have severe diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, anorexia, and lethargy or depression.
Stage 3
This is the most severe stage and involves the small intestine being inflamed, resulting in severe diarrhea, vomiting or regurgitation, abdominal pain or cramping, and decreased appetite or refusal to eat.
Stage 4
This is a chronic stage of SPE in which the animal is finally able to absorb nutrients from food but will still suffer from bouts of diarrhea and dehydration.
Treating Small Mammal Proliferative Enteropathy
Treating SPE includes antibiotics such as ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfa, doxycycline, or enrofloxacin. In addition to antibiotics, supportive care such as fluid therapy, nutritional support, and probiotics can also be necessary. It’s important to work with a veterinarian to ensure the best treatment plan for your pet.
Preventing Small Mammal Proliferative Enteropathy
Prevention of SPE can include good sanitation and hygiene practices, avoiding overcrowding of small mammals in enclosures, and regularly monitoring for signs of infection. Vaccines are not available for this disease at this time. With proper treatment and prevention, SPE can be managed successfully in small mammals.