How should a suspected FRD be evaluated in practice?

• A. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics for 2 weeks and reassess.
• B. Initiate a guided elimination diet with hydrolyzed or novel protein for 6–8 weeks and monitor clinical response.
• C. Perform endoscopic biopsy before dietary trial.
• D. Proceed directly to surgical exploration.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to test for FRD with a noninvasive dietary approach first. A guided elimination diet using a hydrolyzed or novel protein for about 6–8 weeks lets you see whether removing common dietary antigens resolves the enteropathy. If the dog improves during this period, it strongly supports a food-responsive component, and you can maintain a specific diet long‑term (often with a planned rechallenge or gradual reintroduction to confirm). If there’s no meaningful improvement after 6–8 weeks, FRD is unlikely and other causes should be investigated with further diagnostics.

This approach avoids unnecessary invasive procedures and delays in treatment. Starting broad-spectrum antibiotics for a short period does not directly assess food responsiveness and may obscure the true cause. Endoscopic biopsy or surgical exploration are more invasive and not needed initially when a dietary trial can provide diagnostic and therapeutic information.