Enteropathy In Dogs Research Articles

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Commercial Oral Capsules for Chronic Enteropathies in Dogs and Cats

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Commercial Oral Capsules for Chronic Enteropathies in Dogs and Cats

Faecal Short-Chain, Long-Chain, and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids as Markers of Different Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathies in Dogs

Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) are classified based on treatment trials, and new methods are being sought for earlier differentiation and characterization. Giardia infection (GIA) is one of the first differential diagnoses and may be present in CIE-affected dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the faecal characteristics and faecal fatty acid profile (short, medium, long, and branched-chain fatty acids) in dogs with food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE), and dogs infected with Giardia compared to healthy control (HC) animals as a potential non-invasive indicator of intestinal health that helps in the differentiation of CIEs. The C16:1n-7 percentage (p = 0.0001) and C16:1n-7/C16:0 ratio (p = 0.0001) served to differentiate between HC, FRE, and IRE. IRE dogs presented lower levels of short-chain fatty acids (∑SCFAs) (p = 0.0008) and acetic acid (C2) (p = 0.0007) compared to the other three groups and lower propionic acid (C3) (p = 0.0022) compared to HCs. IRE and GIA presented higher faecal fat content (p = 0.0080) and ratio of iso/anteiso branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) compared to HC and FRE. Correlations between some fatty acids and desaturation indices with the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index and faecal characteristics were observed, suggesting that these compounds could play an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Updating the Classification of Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathies in Dogs.

Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) in dogs are currently classified based on response to sequential treatment trials into food-responsive (FREs); antibiotic-responsive (AREs); immunosuppressant-responsive (IREs); and non-responsive enteropathies (NREs). Recent studies have reported that a proportion of NRE dogs ultimately respond to further dietary trials and are subsequently misclassified. The FRE subset among CIEs is therefore probably underestimated. Moreover, alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function (dysbiosis) have been shown to be involved in CIE pathogenesis in recent research on dogs. Metronidazole and other antibiotics that have been used for decades for dogs with AREs have been demonstrated to result in increased antimicrobial resistance and deleterious effects on the gut microbiota. As a consequence, the clinical approach to CIEs has evolved in recent years toward the gradual abandonment of the use of antibiotics and their replacement by other treatments with the aim of restoring a diverse and functional gut microbiota. We propose here to refine the classification of canine CIEs by replacing the AREs category with a microbiota-related modulation-responsive enteropathies (MrMREs) category.

Evaluation of the relationship between plasma glucagon-like peptide-2 and gastrointestinal dysbiosis in canine chronic enteropathies.

Chronic enteropathies are a common cause of morbidity in dogs and are associated with disruption of the normal gastrointestinal mucosal barrier. The objective of this prospective study was to determine the association between measures of gastrointestinal dysbiosis and plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-2, a hormone responsible for normal mucosal structure, in dogs with chronic enteropathies. Fecal 16S V4 rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR via the dysbiosis index was performed on 16 healthy controls and 18 dogs with chronic enteropathy prior to and 1 month after initiation of individualized therapy. Fasting and post-prandial plasma GLP-2 concentrations were measured via ELISA in healthy dogs and chronic enteropathy dogs at both time points. Alpha and beta diversity indices, as well as bacterial population abundances were compared between groups and time-points. Principal component analysis combined with least squares regression was used to identify taxa contributing to glucagon-like peptide-2 variance among groups. While the dysbiosis index did not differ between healthy dogs and dogs with chronic enteropathy, 16S V4 genomic sequencing identified 47 operational taxonomic units that differed between the groups, all but 2 of which resolved following chronic enteropathy treatment. Principal component analysis identified 6 families and 19 genera that contributed to differences in glucagon-like peptide-2 concentrations between groups. Dysbiosis associated with chronic enteropathies in dogs may contribute to the observed lower plasma glucagon-like peptide-2 concentrations. Further research into mechanisms of microbiota impact on the enteroendocrine system is needed. Association between glucagon-like peptide-2 secretion and microbiome indices may help to guide research into future treatment strategies for dogs with chronic enteropathy.

Correction of malsorption in dogs with allergic enteropathy with signs of disorders of the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal systems

Correction of malsorption in dogs suffering from allergic enteropathy with signs of disorders of the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal systems should be implemented based on the results of assessing the absorption function of the intestine, taking into account the nature of metabolic disorders. The purpose of this publication is to test the optimal algorithm for correcting malnutrition in dogs against the background of allergic enteropathy. The subjects of the study were medium-sized dogs with allergic enteropathy with signs of disorders of the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal systems. During the research, clinical studies, data from qualitative stool analysis and D-xylose test were used. The use of the three-stage functional complex of dietary supplements developed by us based on prebiotic and probiotic components “GI-HB-3.1” allows us to restore the process of absorption of fats (fat loss - 3.96±0.31 g / day) and proteins (protein loss in 2 days before the study - 4.48±0.37 g / day; protein loss during the study - 1.65±0.15 g / day) in the small intestine of animals of the experimental group 1. It has been proven that the use of the three-stage functional complex “GI-HB-3.1” helps reduce the recurrence of allergic enteropathy in dogs, increase the absorption of nutrient substrates and stabilize the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Hypokaliemia etiological causes in companion animals assessment

Potassium is a vital element involved in ensuring the work of excitable tissues and maintaining the osmotic pressure of all body cells, therefore any of its displacements are critically important both for the diagnosis and prediction of the course of the disease, but also for monitoring treatment. In the presented study, the biochemical blood parameters of small breeds of dogs (Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, pug, Miniature Pinscher and Pomeranian), large breeds (Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd), cats (Burmese, British, Maine Coon, Russian blue, Scottish Straight and European shorthair) were analyzed. The purpose of the presented study was to identify and assess the frequency of occurrence of etiological causes leading to the development of hypokalemia in cats and dogs of different breeds in the territory of St. Petersburg with subsequent statistical processing of the results obtained. Serum levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, glucose, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, as well as the activity of enzymes alanine aminotransferase (AlAt), aspartate aminotransferase (AsAt) and alkaline phosphatase were determined. The parameters of hematocrit, hemoglobin, the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes were determined in the stabilized blood, also according to generally accepted methods. It was found that the most common causes of hypokalemia in cats are chronic kidney disease (41%), dysphagia as a result of dental disease (29%), neoplasms – mainly mammary glands (24%). In dogs of large and small breeds – enteropathies and conditions accompanied by vomiting (32%), blood parasites (16%) and hepatopathy (16%), with a predominance of enteropathies in dogs of both groups and blood parasitic diseases causing anemia in dogs of large breeds. It should be noted that in order to more accurately determine the diagnostic significance and the possibility of determining forecasts, it is necessary to increase the number of samples of animals with an assessment of indicators in dynamics.

Association of folate concentrations with clinical signs and laboratory markers of chronic enteropathy in dogs.

Serum folate is considered a biomarker of chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs, but few studies have examined associations with markers of CE. To evaluate serum folate concentrations in dogs with and without CE and associations with sample hemolysis and selected markers of CE. We hypothesized that hypofolatemia would be more common in dogs with CE and associated with hypocobalaminemia, higher CIBDAI, and hypoalbuminemia. Six hundred seventy-three dogs with available serum folate measurements performed at an academic veterinary hospital between January 2016 and December 2019. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to categorize cases as CE or non-CE and record clinical details and laboratory markers. Relationships between serum folate, cobalamin, and CE variables were assessed using chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, or Spearman's correlation tests. Of the 673 dogs, 99 CE were compared to 95 non-CE. In the overall cohort, serum folate concentration did not correlate with sample hemolysis (P= .75). In the CE subset, serum folate and cobalamin concentrations were positively associated (rho=0.34, FDR=0.02). However, serum folate concentrations (median [25th, 75th percentiles]) were higher (CE: 12.1 (8.9, 16.1), non-CE: 10.4 (7.2, 15.5); P= .04) and cobalamin concentrations were lower (CE: 343 (240, 597), non-CE: 550 (329, 749); P= .001) in the CE vs non-CE group. Serum folate was not associated with markers of CE, but serum cobalamin was associated with albumin (P= .04) and cholesterol (P= .03). Hypofolatemia is an inferior biomarker of CE compared to hypocobalaminemia.

The effect of puppyhood and adolescent diet on the incidence of chronic enteropathy in dogs later in life

Diet has a key role in the homeostasis of the gut microenvironment, influencing the microbiome, the gut barrier, host immunity and gut physiology. Yet, there is little information on the role of early diet in the onset of inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders later in life, especially in dogs. Therefore, the aim of the present cross-sectional, epidemiological study with longitudinal data, was to explore associations of companion dogs’ early life diet style and food items with owner-reported chronic enteropathy (CE) incidence in later life. Food frequency questionnaire data from Finnish companion dogs was analyzed using principal component analysis and logistic regression. We found that feeding a non-processed meat-based diet and giving the dog human meal leftovers and table scraps during puppyhood (2–6 months) and adolescence (6–18 months) were protective against CE later in life. Especially raw bones and cartilage as well as leftovers and table scraps during puppyhood and adolescence, and berries during puppyhood were associated with less CE. In contrast, feeding an ultra-processed carbohydrate-based diet, namely dry dog food or “kibble” during puppyhood and adolescence, and rawhides during puppyhood were significant risk factors for CE later in life.

Clinical utility of an immunoglobulin A-based serological panel for the diagnosis of chronic enteropathy in dogs.

A panel of IgA-based serologic assays might aid in the diagnosis of chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs, a syndrome encompassing conditions such as food-responsive enteropathy, immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy, and inflammatory bowel disease (also referred to as chronic inflammatory enteropathy). However, it is unclear whether these biomarkers discriminate between CE and other types of primary intestinal disorders. To evaluate a diagnostic panel that measures serum concentrations of IgA directed against OmpC (ACA), canine calprotectin (ACNA), and gliadin-derived peptides (AGA) in dogs with well-characterized intestinal diseases. Fifty-five dogs with primary intestinal disease. Serum ACA, ACNA, and AGA concentrations were measured in 30 dogs with CE and 25 dogs with other intestinal diseases (non-CE population), including histoplasmosis, parasitism, E. coli-associated granulomatous colitis, and lymphoma. Serum IgA concentrations were compared among populations, and sensitivities and specificities were calculated using laboratory-provided cut-points. Twenty-six of 30 (87%) CE dogs and 21 of 25 (84%) non-CE dogs had abnormal concentrations (intermediate or high) of at least 2 markers; these proportions were not significantly different (P=.99). A serum ACA concentration ≥15 EU/mL was 86.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.3%-96.2%) sensitive and 24.0% (95% CI, 9.4%-45.1%) specific for CE diagnosis. High AGA concentrations were observed in 16 of 25 (64%) non-CE dogs. The evaluated serologic markers were poorly specific for CE diagnosis, which raises concerns that their use in clinical practice might lead to misdiagnoses and delayed or even detrimental treatments in dogs with non-CE intestinal diseases.

Incidence of relapse of inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy in dogs and associated risk factors.

Dogs with inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (iPLE) that attain remission may be at risk of subsequent relapse. To determine the incidence of relapse of iPLE in dogs that have previously attained complete clinical and biochemical remission and identify associated risk factors. Seventy-five client-owned dogs diagnosed with iPLE. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with iPLE based on histopathology of intestinal biopsy specimens between March 2010 and March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Variables were recorded from the time of investigation at histopathologic diagnosis and subsequent follow-up information was obtained from the records of referring veterinarians. Twenty-three dogs (31%) achieved sustained remission without documentation of relapse for at least 2 years. Nineteen dogs (25%) achieved remission, but then subsequently relapsed within 2 years of histopathologic diagnosis, and 33 dogs (44%) never achieved remission with disease-associated death occurring a median of 19 (range, 3-114) days after histopathologic diagnosis. Dogs that achieved remission and subsequently relapsed had significantly higher poor dietary compliance, as defined by frequent scavenging or changing from the recommended diet compared to dogs with sustained remission (P=.01). Inflammatory PLE is associated with a high rate of relapse in dogs. Ensuring owners adhere to dietary recommendations might help prevent subsequent relapse in dogs with iPLE that attain initial remission.

Effects of Canine-Obtained Lactic-Acid Bacteria on the Fecal Microbiota and Inflammatory Markers in Dogs Receiving Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Treatment.

Simple SummaryThe use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has prolonged the longevity and well-being of dogs with osteoarthritis and other painful conditions. However, this treatment is also associated with diarrhea in dogs, but the pathogenetic mechanisms and possible prevention strategies remain unknown. This study aimed to determine whether canine-obtained lactic acid bacteria affect the frequency of diarrhea, fecal microbiota (dysbiosis index), and gastrointestinal inflammation (assessed by calprotectin and S100A12/Calgranulin C) in dogs receiving NSAIDs. Diarrhea occurred in 4/12 dogs (33%) receiving placebo and 1/10 dogs (10%) receiving canine-obtained lactic acid bacteria (LAB), but this difference was not significant. The fecal dysbiosis index, calprotectin, and S100A12 were not significantly different between dogs receiving NSAIDs and LAB and dogs receiving NSAIDs and placebo. This study suggests that LAB is safe to use in NSAID-treated dogs, but further studies are needed to determine its potential to ameliorate diarrhea and gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs receiving NSAIDs.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause enteropathy in dogs and probiotics may be one option to prevent this. The objective of this study was to determine whether the administration of canine-obtained lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has an effect on the frequency of diarrhea, the composition of the fecal microbiota, and/or markers of gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs receiving NSAIDs when compared to dogs given NSAIDs and a placebo. A total of 22 dogs treated with NSAIDs for various clinical indications were enrolled in a seven-day randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled interventional study. Dogs were randomized to receive either placebo or LAB, a product containing Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Fecal samples were collected on days one and seven. The fecal microbiota was evaluated using the fecal dysbiosis index (DI) and individual bacterial taxa. Fecal calprotectin (CP) and S100A12/Calgranulin C concentrations were used as markers of gastrointestinal inflammation. There was a difference in frequency of diarrhea between groups, with it affecting 4/12 dogs (33%) in the placebo group and 1/10 dogs (10%) in the LAB group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.32). There was a correlation between S100A12 and CP (p < 0.001), and Clostridium perfringens correlated with S100A12 (p < 0.015). Neither treatment significantly affected S100A12 (p = 0.37), CP (p = 0.12), or fecal DI (p = 0.65). This study suggests that LAB is a safe supplement to use for short-term treatment in NSAID-treated dogs, but further studies are needed to determine its potential to prevent NSAID-induced enteropathy in dogs.

Association of fecal and serum microRNA profiles with gastrointestinal cancer and chronic inflammatory enteropathy in dogs.

Reliable biomarkers to differentiate gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) from chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) in dogs are needed. Fecal and serum microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic markers of GI disease in humans and dogs. Dogs with GIC have fecal and serum miRNA profiles that differ from those of dogs with CIE. (a) identify miRNAs that differentiate GIC from CIE, (b) use high-throughput reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to establish fecal and serum miRNA panels to distinguish GIC from CIE in dogs. Twenty-four dogs with GIC, 10 dogs with CIE, and 10 healthy dogs, all client-owned. An international multicenter observational prospective case-control study. Small RNA sequencing was used to identify fecal and serum miRNAs, and RT-qPCR was used to establish fecal and serum miRNA panels with the potential to distinguish GIC from CIE. The best diagnostic performance for distinguishing GIC from CIE was fecal miR-451 (AUC: 0.955, sensitivity: 86.4%, specificity: 100%), miR-223 (AUC: 0.918, sensitivity: 90.9%, specificity: 80%), and miR-27a (AUC: 0.868, sensitivity: 81.8%, specificity: 90%) and serum miR-20b (AUC: 0.905, sensitivity: 90.5%, specificity: 90%), miR-148a-3p (AUC: 0.924, sensitivity: 85.7%, specificity: 90%), and miR-652 (AUC: 0.943, sensitivity: 90.5%, specificity: 90%). Slightly improved diagnostic performance was achieved when combining fecal miR-451 and miR-223 (AUC: 0.973, sensitivity: 95.5%, specificity: 90%). When used as part of a diagnostic RT-qPCR panel, the abovementioned miRNAs have the potential to function as noninvasive biomarkers for the differentiation of GIC and CIE in dogs.

Correlative relations of malnutrition and redox homeostasis disorders in allergic enteropathy in dogs with severe gi syndrome

Malnutrition syndrome is widespread in allergic enteropathy in dogs, causing a violation of absorption and transport of nutrient substrates in the intestinal mucosa, which serves as a trigger for subsequent metabolic changes in the gastrointestinal system, affecting hepatocytes through the activation of lipid peroxidation processes and the development of shifts in the redex system. homeostasis. As a result of biochemical and morphological studies of the blood of sick animals with allergic enteropathy with severe gastrointestinal syndrome, a violation of metabolic processes was established (T-Pro - 59.46±0.32 g/l and 63.34±0.53 g/l; ALB - 19.71±0.64 g/l and 18.56±0.50 g/l; GLB - 39.75±0.82 g/l and 44.78±0.96 g/l; A/G - 0.49±0.06 and 0.41±0.08; RBC - 5.85±0.17×1012/l and 5.67±0.16×1012/l; Na - 134.50±6.10 mmol/l and 130.80±5.97 mmol/l, K - 3.43±0.10 mmol/l and 3.40±0.09 mmol/l, Ca - 2.15±0.07 mmol/l and 2.13±0.06 mmol/l), redox homeostasis (ALT - 108.95±11.00 U/l and 115.73±9.39 U/l; AST - 62.90±6.05 U/l and 60.30±5.80 U/l; ALP - 196.05±19.20 U/l and 210.20±23.91U/l) due to activation of lipid peroxidation processes (MDA - 23.10±1.06 µmol/ml and 24.25±1.40 µmol/ml; DK - 1.08±0.15 uA/ml and 1.15±0.09 uA/ml) and antioxidant potential depletion (CT - 0.54±0.02 Bach units and 0.55±0.03 Bach units; SOD - 18.23±1.59 EU/mg protein per minute and 19.98±1.91 EU/mg protein per minute; GSH-Px - 26.69±2.46 µmol/ml and 28.31±3.02 µmol/ml; Vitamin A - 0.66±0.05 mcg/ml and 0.59±0.03 mcg/m; Vitamin E - 8.49±0.90 mcg/ml and 7.87±0.98 mcg/ml). The presence of direct correlations between the level of trophological disorders due to the development of intestinal malabsorption syndrome and the degree of redox homeostasis disorders was revealed.

Chronic Enteropathy in Dogs-Epidemiologic Aspects and Clinical Characteristics of Dogs Presenting at Two Swedish Animal Hospitals.

Simple SummaryCanine chronic enteropathy is characterized by persistent (>3 weeks) or recurring gastrointestinal signs, such as diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Depending on treatment response, chronic enteropathy is classified as food-responsive-, antibiotic-responsive-, immunosuppressant-responsive-, or non-responsive enteropathy. Information about prevalence and breed disposition of dogs with chronic enteropathy is limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate period prevalence, breed distribution, and characterization of chronic enteropathy in dogs presenting at two Swedish animal hospitals. A total of 814 dogs met inclusion criteria and the period prevalence of chronic enteropathy was 1.1% of the total number of dogs. Breeds with the highest relative risk included Norwegian Lundehund, West Highland White Terrier, and Miniature Poodle. Treatment outcome was classified in 72.9% of dogs, and characterized as immunosuppressant-responsive (55.2%), food-responsive (11.4%), non-responsive (5.2%), and antibiotic-responsive (1.1%). Non-responsive dogs were more likely to present with anemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, increased C-reactive protein concentrations, and ascites.Information about prevalence and breed predisposition of canine chronic enteropathy (CE) is limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate period prevalence, breed disposition, clinical features, diagnostic results, and treatment response of CE in dogs presenting at two Swedish animal hospitals during 2013–2018. A medical record search was performed to identify CE dogs including those with ≥3 visits because of gastrointestinal disease and/or that had undergone gastroduodenoscopy/colonoscopy during 2013–2018. Dog characteristics, case history, physical examination, laboratory variables, therapeutic protocol, and treatment response were recorded. Inclusion criteria for CE were met by 814 dogs. Period prevalence of CE was 1.1% of total number of dogs. Breeds with the highest relative risk included Norwegian Lundehund, West Highland White Terrier, and Miniature Poodle. Median age at presentation was 3.8 (IQR 1.8–6.8) years. French Bulldogs and Miniature Schnauzers presented at a younger age (<2.5 years) compared to other breeds (p < 0.05). In a subset of dogs, serum hypoalbuminemia (116/662, 17.5%), hypocobalaminemia (98/647, 15.1%), and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (145/267, 54.3%) were diagnosed. Treatment outcome was classified in 72.9% of dogs and characterized as immunosuppressant-responsive (55.2%), food-responsive (11.4%), non-responsive (5.2%), and antibiotic-responsive (1.1%). Non-responsive dogs were more likely to present with anemia hypoproteinemia/albuminemia, increased CRP, and ascites (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of dogs with CE at Swedish hospitals agreed with earlier reports, but risk breeds differed slightly and, compared to other breeds, a younger age of CE onset was found in two breeds. The largest proportion of dogs was immunosuppressant-responsive and the smallest antibiotic-responsive.

Dietary management of chronic enteropathy in dogs.

Chronic idiopathic enteropathy is a clinical condition defined by the exclusion of infectious, metabolic or neoplastic causes of gastrointestinal signs and is categorised by a response to treatment including management with diet change, immunosuppressant medication or interventions that directly target the microbiome (e.g. antibiotics, faecal transplantation or probiotics). Animals that fail these therapies are categorised as non-responsive or refractory chronic idiopathic enteropathy. This specific categorisation implies that nutritional intervention is only needed for a subset of patients with enteropathy. However, often dogs with chronic idiopathic enteropathy are malnourished, have nutrient malabsorption or have gastrointestinal inflammation that occurs as a result of a breakdown in tolerance to luminal antigens including microorganism or dietary components. Thus, all dogs with chronic idiopathic enteropathy benefit from a nutritional assessment and targeted nutritional intervention. Among dogs presenting for chronic idiopathic enteropathy, the response rate to diet alone is roughly 50% in the referral population giving the impression that the overall response could be even higher especially when more than one nutritional intervention is attempted and strict adherence is maintained. The objectives of this review article are to outline the nutritional approach to a dog with chronic idiopathic enteropathy, including the nutritional assessment, and to highlight areas for nutritional intervention.

Short-Chain and Total Fatty Acid Profile of Faeces or Plasma as Predictors of Food-Responsive Enteropathy in Dogs: A Preliminary Study

Simple SummaryFood-responsive enteropathy is the most common diagnosis given for dogs with chronic enteropathy, and there are no tests that can replace treatment trials. Furthermore, there is a lack of information on the specific nutritional status of these patients regarding the lipid profile that could relate them to the state of health/disease. This study evaluated differences in short-chain fatty acids and the total fatty acid profile of faeces and plasma as possible indicators of food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), as well as its relationship with body condition and the chronic enteropathy activity index. Changes in the long-chain fatty acid of plasma, and short-chain, branched and odd-chain fatty acids of faeces were detected in sick dogs, and high correlations were observed between some of these compounds and the existing calculated indices.The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the total fatty acid profile of faeces or plasma as possible indicators of FRE in comparison with healthy dogs. FRE dogs had a lower concentration (p = 0.026) of plasma α-tocopherol as an indicator of the oxidative status of the animal, and lower C20:5n-3 (p = 0.033), C22:5n-3 (p = 0.005), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p = 0.021) and n-6 (p = 0.041) when compared with the control dogs; furthermore, sick dogs had higher proportions of plasma C20:3n-6 (p = 0.0056). The dogs with FRE showed a decrease in the production of faecal levels of SCFAs, mainly propionic acid (C3) (p = 0.0001) and isovaleric acid (iC5) (p = 0.014). FRE dogs also had a lower proportion of C15:0 (p = 0.0003), C16:1n-9 (p = 0.0095), C16:1n-7 (p = 0.0001), C20:5n-3 (p = 0.0034) and monounsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.0315), and tended to have lower n-3 (p = 0.058) and a reduced desaturase activity index in the stool when compared with the control group. However, the dogs with chronic enteropathy tended to have greater C20:4n-6 (p = 0.065) in their faeces as signs of damage at the intestinal level. The faecal parameters were better predictors than plasma. The highest correlations between faecal odd-chain, medium- or long-chain fatty acids and SCFAs were observed for C15:0 that correlated positively with faecal acetic acid (C2) (r = 0.72, p = 0.004), propionic acid (r = 0.95, p = 0.0001), isobutyric acid (iC4) (r = 0.59, p = 0.027) and isovaleric acid (r = 0.64, p = 0.0136), as well as with total SCFAs (r = 0.61, p = 0.02). Conversely, faecal C20:4n-6 showed a high inverse correlation (r = −0.83, p = 0.0002) with C2 and C3 (r = −0.59, p = 0.027). Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity (CIBDAI) index correlated negatively mainly with faecal measurements, such as C3 (r = −0.869, p = 0.0005) and C15:0 (r = −0.825, p = 0.0018), followed by C16:1/C16:0 (r = −0.66, p= 0.0374) and iC5 (r = −0.648, p = 0.0310), which would indicate that these fatty acids could be good non-invasive indicators of the chronic inflammatory status, specifically FRE.

Retraction of “Utility of the combined use of 3 serologic markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic enteropathies in dogs”

Retraction of “Utility of the combined use of 3 serologic markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic enteropathies in dogs”

Current diagnostics for chronic enteropathies in dogs.

Chronic enteropathies (CEs) in dogs describe a group of idiopathic disorders characterized by chronic persistent or recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) signs. Three major subgroups of CE can be identified by their response to treatment: Food-responsive disease (FRD), antibiotic-responsive disease (ARD), and steroid-responsive disease (SRD). The clinical diagnosis of CE is made by exclusion of all other possible causes of chronic diarrhea and includes histologic assessment of intestinal biopsies. The process of diagnosing canine CE can therefore be very time-consuming and expensive, and in most cases, does not help to identify dogs that will respond to a specific treatment. The development of novel diagnostic tests for canine CE has therefore focused on the accuracy of such tests to predict treatment responses. In this article, several novel assays that have the potential to become commercially available will be discussed, such as genetic tests, perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA), antibodies against transglutaminase/gliadin, antibodies against E coli OmpC/flagellin, and micro RNAs.

Immunosuppressant-Responsive Enteropathy and Non-Responsive Enteropathy in Dogs: Prognostic Factors, Short- and Long-Term Follow Up.

Simple SummaryChronic intestinal inflammation in dogs is a challenging disease to manage. Most studies about prognostic factors and follow-up data are only available for small populations or with short-term follow-up. The aim of this study of 165 dogs with chronic intestinal inflammation was to identify clinical and haematological factors associated with mortality, clinical response and relapse, with long-term follow-up. Nine per cent of dogs did not respond to therapy at 1 month follow-up. Most dogs with chronic intestinal inflammation had a good clinical course in most cases, and the non-response or relapse rate was 9–11%. A reduction of body condition (loss of weight), lower serum albumin concentration and presence of lacteal dilatation on intestinal histology at diagnosis were identified as factors associated with a decreased response rate, higher mortality and lower chance of achieving long-term remission.A multicentre prospective study was performed to assess whether clinical, hematobiochemical, endoscopic and histopathological parameters were associated with mortality, clinical response and relapse of disease in short- and long-term follow-up of a total of 165 dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy, of which 150 had immunosuppressant responsive enteropathy (IRE), and 15 had non-responsive enteropathy (NRE) dogs. Clinical severity (CCECAI) was evaluated from presentation (T0) to 18 months (T18) from diagnosis. T0 body condition score (BCS), selected haematological parameters and endoscopic and histopathological scores were evaluated. Presence/absence of histopathological duodenal lesions was recorded. Responders were evaluated using CCECAI at T1. Relapse was evaluated from T3 to T18. Long-term responders included dogs who responded at T1 and showed no relapse. Dogs were divided into responders/non-responders, survivors/non-survivors and relapsed/non-relapsed. At T1, 15/165 dogs (9%) were considered NRE. Sixteen dogs (11%) were considered relapsed at T3, 8% at T6 and 10% at T12, and none of 96 dogs relapsed at T18. NREs showed significantly lower BCS than IREs. Non-survivors showed a significantly lower serum albumin concentration and BCS than survivors. Non-responders, relapsed or non-survivors had higher presence of lacteal dilatation compared to long-term responders. Dogs with IRE showed a good clinical course with a low relapse rate, with only a few dogs in the NRE group. Reduction of BCS, albumin and lacteal dilatation at diagnosis may be considered negative prognostic factors for response, mortality and long-term disease remission.

Utility of the combined use of 3 serologic markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic enteropathies in dogs.

BackgroundDogs with chronic enteropathies (CE) displayed elevated IgA seropositivity against specific markers that can be used to develop a novel test.ObjectiveTo assess a multivariate test to aid diagnosis of CE in dogs and to monitor treatment‐related responses.AnimalsOne hundred fifty‐seven dogs with CE/inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 24 dogs non‐IBD gastrointestinal disorders, and 33 normal dogs.MethodsProspective, multicenter, clinical study that enrolled dogs with gastrointestinal disorders. Serum sample collected at enrollment and up to 3 months follow‐up measuring OmpC (ACA), canine calprotectin (ACNA), and gliadin‐derived peptides (AGA) by ELISA.ResultsSeropositivity was higher in CE/IBD than normal dogs (66% vs 9% for ACA; 55% vs 15% for ACNA; and 75% vs 6% for AGA; P < .001). When comparing CE/IBD with non‐IBD disease, ACA and ACNA displayed discriminating properties (66%, 55% vs 12.5%, 29% respectively) while AGA separated CE from normal cohorts (54% vs 6%). A 3‐marker algorithm at cutoff of ACA > 15, ACNA > 6, AGA > 60 differentiates CE/IBD and normal dogs with 90% sensitivity and 96% specificity; and CE/IBD and non‐IBD dogs with 80% sensitivity and 86% specificity. Titers decreased after treatment (47%‐99% in ACA, 13%‐88% in ACNA, and 30%‐85% in AGA), changes that were concurrent with clinical improvements.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceAn assay based on combined measurements of ACA, ACNA, and AGA is useful as a noninvasive diagnostic test to distinguish dogs with CE/IBD. The test also has the potential to monitor response to treatment.