Based on the ileum image, does the study provide evidence for overt bile acid malabsorption in dogs with CIE?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Inconclusive
• D. Only in ileum

Answer: (B)

Bile acid reabsorption happens mainly in the ileum, and overt bile acid malabsorption is suggested when there are clear ileal defects that impair this reabsorption. If the ileum image shows normal mucosal architecture with intact villi and no obvious ulceration or inflammatory disruption, it does not provide imaging-based evidence that the ileum is fails to reabsorb bile acids. In other words, the structure appears consistent with normal ileal function on that image, so you wouldn’t infer overt BAM from it alone. Keep in mind that functional abnormalities can exist without visible structural damage, so biochemical testing of bile acids would be needed for a definitive assessment. Therefore, the image does not support overt bile acid malabsorption in dogs with CIE.