Baylie is a 12-year-old female Pug with a long and complex medical history. Seven years ago, she was diagnosed with meningoencephalomyelitis, with subsequent immune suppression. Over the years, she has also experienced multiple episodes of pancreatitis, severe allergies including anaphylaxis, recurrent infections, and ongoing immune suppression.
In September 2025, her health declined dramatically. What began as acute watery diarrhoea progressed to confirmed Campylobacter and Clostridium infections, followed by pancreatitis. Within 24 hours, she was hospitalised. Blood results were critically abnormal, and euthanasia was being considered.
Baylie was later diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Her diarrhoea was so extreme that the first five weeks of antibiotics were not absorbed, with tablets passing through whole. This level of intestinal permeability is common in advanced gut dysfunction, particularly in senior dogs with chronic inflammation, long-term medication use, and immune compromise.
Jan reflects: “The leaky gut was probably the worst issue because her condition was declining so rapidly. Her appetite disappeared – unusual for a food-loving Pug.” At this stage, Baylie was already on multiple medications twice daily. Restoring gut integrity became a priority.
Complex Health Challenges in Senior Dogs
Senior dogs with chronic inflammatory conditions, immune suppression, and repeated pancreatitis often experience significant gut dysfunction. When intestinal integrity declines, nutrient absorption suffers, systemic inflammation escalates, and overall vitality drops.
Baylie’s case highlights the challenges facing ageing dogs with complex medical histories and the need for targeted nutritional and supplement support alongside veterinary care.
Targeted Gut and Liver Support Protocol
Jan introduced CanineCeuticals products to support Baylie’s gut, liver, and immune system. The supplement plan included:
- Pure SB – targeted probiotic support
- Gut Restore – nourishes the intestinal lining
- Gut Protect – supports barrier function and nutrient absorption
- PEA Plus – down-regulates inflammation and promotes neurological stability
- Milk Thistle – assists liver detoxification and regulation of liver enzymes
All supplements were easily mixed into her food, despite her complex medication schedule.
Measurable Improvements in Gut Health and Vitality
Within weeks, Baylie showed visible and measurable improvements:
- Diarrhoea resolved
- Antibiotics began absorbing effectively
- Protein-losing enteropathy stabilised
- SIBO improved
- Pancreatitis managed
- Clostridium and Campylobacter controlled
- Weight stabilised at 7.5 kg
Monitoring Liver and Blood Markers
Liver enzyme levels began trending downward from the 3000s, while albumin and white cell counts steadily improved across repeat blood tests.
Restoring Senior Dog Quality of Life
Jan observed significant changes in Baylie’s overall wellbeing:
- Brighter eyes
- Improved skin and coat
- Fully restored appetite
- Sleeping through the night
- Regained alertness
“Being a Pug, Baylie normally ate anything, but when she was at her worst she completely went off her food,” Jan notes. Seeing her return to normal eating was a major milestone.
Baylie will continue on this long-term supplement protocol: “We will keep using all of the products to maintain gut health and keep liver enzyme levels lower than in the 3000s.”
Supporting Ageing Dogs with Complex Health Needs
Targeting gut barrier function, microbiome balance, liver resilience, and inflammatory regulation can significantly influence overall vitality in senior dogs with chronic conditions. Baylie’s recovery demonstrates how structured nutritional support can complement veterinary care for lasting improvements in gut health, immunity, and quality of life.
Support Your Senior Dog’s Gut Health Today
If your ageing dog is facing gut health challenges, allergies, or chronic disease, structured nutritional support may play an important role.
*An Update on Baylie’s Journey*
Since this case study was first published, Baylie was diagnosed with haemangiosarcoma in her eye, and has sadly passed away. While her health journey was complex and ultimately limited by the severity of her underlying conditions, the structured supplement protocol played a meaningful role in improving her comfort and enhancing her quality of life during her final months.
We remain deeply grateful to Jan for sharing Baylie’s story, and we honour Baylie’s resilience throughout her journey.
Download our Senior Dog Guide for practical, evidence-informed strategies to support healthy ageing.
For more complex cases, book an online consultation for personalised guidance tailored to your dog’s health history.
