Gastrointestinal Tract Of Dogs Research Articles

Toxocara canis-induced changes in host intestinal microbial communities

BackgroundToxocara canis is a roundworm that resides in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and causes various pathological changes. The dog’s intestinal system consists of a diverse and dynamic bacterial community that has extensive effects on intestinal physiology, immunity and metabolics. In the case of intestinal parasites, interactions with the host intestinal flora are inevitable during the process of parasitism.MethodsWe studied the role of T. canis in regulating the composition and diversity of the intestinal flora of the host by high-throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and various bioinformatics analyses.Results The α-diversity analysis showed that Toxocara canis infection resulted in a significant decrease in the abundance and diversity of host intestinal flora. The β-diversity analysis showed that the intestinal flora of infected dogs was similar to that carried by T. canis. Analysis of the microflora composition and differences at the phylum level showed that the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B ratio) increased with T. canis infection. Analysis of species composition and differences at the genus level revealed that the proportion of some of the pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium sensu stricto and Staphylococcus, increased after T. canis infection.ConclusionsToxocara canis infection affected the composition and diversity of the flora in the host intestinal tract. These results not only shed light on the potential mechanism of T. canis invasion and long-term survival in the intestinal tract, but also provide a new basis for the development of anthelmintic drugs.Graphical

Chronic inflammatory enteropathy: faecal microbiota transplantation in clinical practice

Chronic inflammatory enteropathy is an umbrella term that encompasses various inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. In the absence of identifiable underlying infectious, neoplastic or metabolic causes, chronic or recurrent signs of gastrointestinal disease and histopathological evidence of mucosal inflammation are the hallmarks of chronic inflammatory enteropathy. Subgroups of chronic inflammatory enteropathy are retrospectively categorised as food-responsive, immunosuppression-responsive, small intestinal dysbiosis or non-responsive based on the selective response to therapeutic trials. Small intestinal dysbiosis is an overarching term used to describe derangement of the small intestinal microbiota caused by an abnormal proliferation of bacteria and/or change in bacterial species present in the small intestinal lumen. The pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory enteropathy remains elusive, although current hypotheses emphasise the role of adverse immune responses to dietary and microbial antigens thought to arise from immune system dysregulation, genetic susceptibility and intestinal dysbiosis. The gastrointestinal tract of dogs is colonised by a vast population of microorganisms, known as the intestinal microbiota, which is composed of viruses, fungi, bacteria and protozoa. Clinical use of faecal microbiota transplantation in promoting normobiosis has been gaining popularity within the field of canine gastroenterology. This modifies the intestinal bacterial microbiota and has shown promise as an adjunctive treatment of enteric disease, associated with a faster resolution of diarrhoea and enhanced clinical recovery.

Screening of Faecal Samples of Pet Dogs for the Presence of Canine Parvoviral Infection by using Haemagglutination Assay and Polymerase Chain Reaction Test

Background: Canine parvovirus-2 causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs. Dogs from Mhow and Indore area suffering from symptoms related to gastroenteritis were investigated for the presence of Canine parvovirus-2 infection. Methods: A total of 50 faecal samples from dogs (33 male and 17 female) were collected individually in 5 ml of phosphate buffer saline solution in sterile containers. These samples were tested in haemagglutination assay using pig red blood cells for the presence of Canine parvovirus-2 specific antigen and in a molecular test, polymerase chain reaction, using primers to amplify Canine parvovirus-2 specific product of 681 base pairs. Result: A total of 5 faecal samples (10%) tested positive in haemagglutination assay indicative of presence of Canine parvoviral-2 antigen in the faecal material. Haemagglutinating titre for positive samples ranged from 32 to 1024. Only one faecal sample found positive in polymerase chain reaction test for amplification of Canine parvovirus-2 specific product. The results of the present study indicate presence of Canine parvoviral-2 infection in pet dogs suffering from gastroenteritis, however at a low level.

Oral leiomyosarcoma in a dog

Leiomyosarcoma is malignant mesenchymal tumor of smooth muscle and commonly encountered in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. However, primary canine leiomyosarcoma in oral cavity is rare due to lack of smooth muscle in the oral tissue. A 13-year-old, neutered male Poodle presented a hard and immobile mass on the left maxilla. Imprinting cytology from the mass as well as fine-needle aspirated cytology from the left scapular lymph node revealed predominant spindle cells met malignancy criteria of the tumors, including coarse chromatin, high N/C ratio, nuclear molding, macro/multi-nucleoli with cigar-shaped nucleus. Radiography of the skull showed lysis of the nasopalatine bone, and mineral radiopacity in the mass. Computed tomography showed soft tissue attenuating mass from the left incisor teeth to the left retrobulbar space with loss of nasopalatine bone and medial wall of orbit. The histopathological examination showed irregularly arranged malignant spindle-shaped cells with oval or elongated nuclei. The nucleolus is distinct and moderate cellular polymorphism is observed. Mitotic figures are occasionally observed. The tumor cells are positive to vimentin, desmin, α-smooth muscle actin when immunohistochemistry was performed, and in Masson’s trichrome stain, tumor cells are stained as red. Overall, histopathologic exam and immunohistochemistry confirmed canine oral leiomyosarcoma. Because of the poor prognosis, the owner did not consent further treatment.

Efficacy of a phospholipid-stabilized sulfur hexafluoride microsphere contrast agent and water for hydrosonography of the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs

To investigate the efficacy of a phospholipid-stabilized sulfur hexafluoride microsphere (SHM) contrast agent and water for hydrosonography of the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. 12 healthy adult Beagles. In a crossover study, each dog was anesthetized and underwent noncontrast ultrasonography then hydrosonography following administration of tap water (30 mL/kg) without (water method) or with SHM (0.1 mL; SHM method) via an orogastric tube. There were at least 3 days between hydrosonographic procedures. Wall thickness, wall layer definition, conspicuity of the mucosal-luminal interface, and image quality were evaluated separately in the near and far fields for the gastric cardia, body, and pylorus and descending duodenum and compared among the 3 scanning methods. Mean wall thickness measurements did not differ significantly between the water and SHM methods at any location except the far-field gastric cardia where the mean wall thickness for the SHM method was less than that for the water method. In general, the SHM method improved wall layer definition and conspicuity of the mucosal-luminal interface of structures in the near field, compared with noncontrast method. The water and SHM methods both resulted in superior image quality relative to the noncontrast method for the near-field gastric cardia, far-field gastric cardia, and far-field duodenum. Results indicated that, for dogs, gastrointestinal hydrosonography by use of the SHM method improved wall layer definition and mucosal conspicuity, particularly in near-field images of the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract.

Feasibility, complications, and quality of visualization using video capsule endoscopy in 40 dogs with overt or questionable gastrointestinal bleeding.

BackgroundProspective studies describing video capsule endoscopy (VCE), its feasibility, and complications in dogs are limited.ObjectiveTo assess VCE, quality of visualization, complications, and risk factors for incomplete studies in dogs with overt or questionable gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB).AnimalsForty dogs with overt or questionable GIB.MethodsProspective, multicenter, interventional study. From August 2017 to March 2020, dogs were examined by VCE (ALICAM) because of overt or questionable GIB. Reported outcomes included diagnostic results of VCE study, quality of visualization, and complications. Risk factors for incomplete studies were evaluated using logistic regression.ResultsIn total, 40 dogs (13 overt, 27 questionable GIB) were included. The capsules were administered PO in 29 and endoscopically in 11 dogs (6 duodenum, 5 stomach). One capsule was not retrieved. In 24 of 39 recordings, bleeding lesions were identified (10 overt GIB, 14 questionable GIB). Overall, the quality of visualization was poor to limited in the stomach and colon, and adequate to good in the small intestine. The most common complication was an incomplete study in 15/39 studies, particularly after oral administration (13/28). Risk factors for incomplete study after oral administration included administration of simethicone or opioids, chronic enteropathy, and capsule gastric transit time >6 hours.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceVideo capsule endoscopy can be used to diagnose a variety of lesions causing bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs with questionable GIB. Incomplete studies are the most common complications in dogs after oral administration of capsules.

Are dogs and cats a reservoir of resistant and virulent Enterococcus faecalis strains and a potential threat to public health?

The aim of the study was to assess resistance and virulence of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats, analyse their genotypic variability and estimate the correlation between the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance, virulence determinants and genotypic profiles. The susceptibility of E. faecalis to penicillin, ampicillin, vancomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, streptomycin and kanamycin was determined by the broth microdilution method. The isolates were tested for the presence of selected genes encoding resistance to macrolides, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides and glycopeptides as well as genes encoding virulence factors. Genotyping was performed using the ADSRRS-fingerprinting method. The highest percentage of resistant strains was observed in relation to erythromycin (96%), ciprofloxacin (93%) and tetracycline (82%). High percentage of strains resistant to high-level aminoglycosides was noted (kanamycin-33%, gentamicin-29%, streptomycin-24%), as well as multidrug-resistant (78%). The genotypic analysis of E. faecalis showed high heterogeneity of genotypic profiles (37) correlating with some resistance profiles. The most common virulence genes amongst E. faecalis were efaAfs (93%), cpd, ccf and cob (86%). The results of this study confirm that companion animals should be considered as a reservoir of E. faecalis carrying resistance and virulence determinants.

Dysregulation of gastrointestinal RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) expression in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy

The pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIE) in dogs involves dysregulated innate immune responses. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a pattern recognition receptor, plays a role in chronic inflammation. Abrogation of proinflammatory RAGE signaling by ligand binding (e.g., S100/calgranulins) to soluble RAGE (sRAGE) might also be a novel therapeutic avenue. Serum sRAGE levels are decreased in canine CIE, but gastrointestinal tissue RAGE expression has not been investigated in dogs. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the gastrointestinal mucosal RAGE expression in dogs with CIE. Further, the potential binding of RAGE to canine S100/calgranulin ligands was investigated.Epithelial RAGE expression was quantified in gastrointestinal (gastric, duodenal, ileal, and colonic) biopsies from 12 dogs with CIE and 9 healthy control dogs using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RAGE expression was compared between both groups of dogs and was tested for an association with patient characteristics, clinical variables, histologic lesion severity, and biomarkers of extra-gastrointestinal disease, systemic or gastrointestinal inflammation, function, or protein loss. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RAGE:S100/calgranulin binding was assessed by immunoassay and electrophoretic techniques.RAGE expression was detected in all 59 biopsies from diseased and healthy control dogs evaluated. Epithelial RAGE expression in the duodenum and colon was significantly higher in dogs with CIE than in healthy controls (p < 0.04). Compared to healthy controls, RAGE expression in dogs with CIE also tended to be higher in the ileum but lower in the stomach. A slight (statistically not significant) shift towards more basal intestinal epithelial RAGE expression was detected in CIE dogs. Serum sRAGE was proportional to epithelial RAGE expression in the duodenum (p < 0.04), and RAGE expression in the colon inversely correlated with biomarkers of protein loss in serum (both p < 0.04). Several histologic morphologic and inflammatory lesion criteria and markers of inflammation (serum C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin concentration) were related to epithelial RAGE expression in the duodenum, ileum, and/or colon. in vitro canine RAGE:S100A12 binding appeared more pronounced than RAGE:S100A8/A9 binding.This study showed a dysregulation of epithelial RAGE expression along the gastrointestinal tract in dogs with CIE. Compensatory regulations in the sRAGE/RAGE axis are an alternative explanation for these findings. The results suggest that RAGE signaling plays a role in dogs with CIE, but higher anti-inflammatory decoy receptor sRAGE levels paralleled RAGE overexpression. Canine S100/calgranulins were demonstrated to be ligands for RAGE.

Presence of the house dust mite allergen in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs with chronic enteropathy: A potential inducer of interleukin-1β

House dust mite (HDM) is an environmental allergen ubiquitously present indoors, causing allergic inflammation in dogs. However, it is unclear whether HDM allergens can be detected in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of dogs. In addition, although expression of interleukin (IL)-1β is increased in the intestinal mucosa of dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE), the role of HDM allergens in the production of IL-1β has not been evaluated. The objectives of this study were to determine the presence of HDM allergens in the GI tract of dogs and to elucidate the effect of HDM on IL-1β expression in canine macrophages. HDM allergen, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1, was quantified in the gastric and duodenal fluids and the duodenal and colonic mucosae of dogs with CE and healthy laboratory dogs, and faeces of dogs with CE, healthy laboratory dogs and healthy client-owned dogs. Gene expression and protein levels of IL-1β were measured in HDM-stimulated canine peripheral macrophages from healthy laboratory dogs. Der p 1 was detected in the gastric and duodenal fluids of dogs with CE and healthy laboratory dogs, and faeces of all dogs examined. Der p 1 levels in the duodenal and colonic mucosae were significantly higher in dogs with CE than in healthy laboratory dogs. HDM increased both gene expression and protein levels of IL-1β in canine macrophages. These findings demonstrate the presence of HDM allergens in the GI tract of dogs and the possible involvement of HDM allergens in the pathogenesis of CE by promoting IL-1β expression in macrophages.

ПОШИРЕНІ ПАТОЛОГІЇ У СОБАК ТА ГЕПАТОПРОТЕКТИВНІ ЗАСОБИ

Досліджено поширення патологій гепатобіліарної системи у собак і спектр гепатозахисних препаратів. Визначено, що основна частка гепатопатій серед собак має вторинний характер – 81,8 %. Патології печінки виникають, переважно, як наслідок хронічної серцевої недостатності і токсичного навантаження організму тварин. Як самостійне захворювання, гепатопатії зареєстровано у 18,2 % собак. Встановлено, що структура гепатопротекторів для тварин сформована, в більший мірі, комбінованими препаратами – 71,4 %.

An epizootic situation is in relation to the nematodosiss of gastroenteric channel of dogs

Gastrointestinal nematodes are prevalent among dogs in Ukraine and most other countries. Economic losses in dog breeding for invasive diseases are diffi cult to calculate in material terms, but they are clearly manifested in terms of animal health. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to fi nd out the epizootic situation regarding the nematodes of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs of diff erent age, sex and breed groups in the Belotserkovsky district of Kyiv region. The studies were conducted on the territory of single-sector private sector farms of 15 settlements of Belotserkovsky district and on the territories of shelters for homeless animals of Belaya Tserkov. Koprovoskopichesky researches were carried out by the combined method standardized by Kotelnikov - Hrenov. According to the results of coprovoscopy of samples from dogs of the Belotserkovsky area, a signifi cant spread of nematodes of the gastrointestinal canal was established (EI was 50.18%). Eggs of such nematodes as Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Strongyloides stercoralis were isolated. Diseases were recorded in the form of mono-invasions, among which the largest proportion of the aff ected were trihuriza (27.11%), toxocariasis (6.59), ankylostomosis (1.83%), and myxinvasions, which again led the trichuris. Animals from birth to 7 years were most aff ected. In terms of gender, females were more vulnerable. The highest incidence of invasion was among outbred dogs (51.56%). Most dogs in this group are aff ected by trichuris (54.55%) and myxinvasia (29.29%), which also included T. vulpis. Breeds German Shepherd, Dachshund, Russian Spaniel had the highest percentage of nematode infestations among all studied breeds. The leader among pathogens was T. vulpis, which covered more than half (52.63%) of rocks, myxinvasions were 28.94%, which included T. vulpis. The breeds of the Belgian shepherd, shih-tzu, Russian-European chamomile, alabai were resistant. Key words: dog, invasion, trichrosis, toxocariasis, ankylostomosis, toxascarose, distribution, koproovoskopichni research, extensiveness of invasion, intensity of invasion.

Contamination of the urban environment with excrements of companion animals as an underestimated source of Staphylococcus species posing a threat to public health.

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence, resistance, virulence, and genotypic characteristics of Staphylococcus spp. residing in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats, as a group of animals causing potential contamination of the urban space. A high percentage of strains resistant to penicillin (58%), oxacillin (9%) and tetracycline (60%) were found. All isolates resistant to penicillin, kanamycin, or chloramphenicol carried genes responsible for individual resistance (blaZ, aph(3')-IIIa, and cat (pC194)/cat (pC223), respectively. The mecA gene was detected in 45% of the oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains. The amplification of DNA fragments surrounding rare restriction sites analysis demonstrated high heterogeneity of genotypic profiles correlating with phenotypic resistance profiles. Multilocus sequence typing analysis classified the methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius strains as ST71, ST890, and the totally new ST1047. The presence of a high level of resistance among Staphylococcus strains may suggest a potential risk of transfer of these bacteria between companion animals and humans.

Endoscopic Removal of Foreign Body in Upper Gastrointestinal Tract in Dogs: Success Rate and Complications

Background: Dogs and cats with acute signs of choking, retching, cough, vomiting, regurgitation, hypersalivation, dysphagia and odynophagia should have the presence of a gastrointestinal foreign body (FB) as part of their differential diagnosis, where it is a frequent condition in the care of small animals. Most objects lodged in the esophagus, stomach, and proximal duodenum can be removed by upper digestive endoscopy, a curative, little invasive procedure. The objective of our study was to evaluate the physical aspects and location of esophageal and gastric FBs observed in 88 dogs and the age and breed of the affected animals and to determine the success rate and eventual complications associated with the procedure as well.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Eighty-eight cases of dogs, males and females of varying ages and breeds, submitted to upper digestive endoscopy were selected because of suspicion of esophageal or gastric FBs. The endoscopic procedure aimed at confirming the diagnosis, whether or not followed by endoscopic removal of these objects. Prior to endoscopy, the animals had laboratory tests (blood count and serum biochemistry) and subsequently to the anesthetic protocols of choice for each case. Data including breed, age, type of constituent material and anatomical location of the FB, endoscopic procedure success rate and complications were recorded and descriptively evaluated. Of the 88 dogs evaluated, 60% (n = 53) were male and 40% (n = 35) female. According to the breed of the animals, 55% (n = 49) were small-breed dogs, 29% (n = 25) large-breed dogs, and 8% (n = 7) medium-breed dogs, and 8% were of mixed breed dogs, which could assume various sizes. Shih Tzus accounted for 18% (n = 16) of the animals, Lhasa apsos 8% (n = 7) and mixed breed 8% (n = 7), where these were the most frequently affected breeds. Regarding age, animals 1 to 5 years old represented 66% (n = 58) of the patients, and those 6 to 10 years old accounted for 20% (n = 18), while 11% of the dogs were over 10 years old (n = 10). Two animals (3%) had no information about their ages. Pieces of cloth were the most frequently found FBs, representing 20%(n = 20), followed by animal bones (19%) and fruit pits (10%). As for location, 78% (n = 69) of the FBs were located in the stomach and 22% (n = 19) in the esophagus. The success rate of endoscopic FB removal in this study was 83% (n = 73). In 76% (n = 67) of the animals, there were no complications due to the presence of FB in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The most frequent complications were esophageal ulcerations (n = 7) and the inability to move the FB (n = 5) and adherences. (n = 4).Discussion: The results showed that small-breed dogs, especially Shih Tzus and Yorkshires, represented a larger number of cases, probably due to their popularity in Brazil, where the study was conducted. Males were more prevalent than females, and the most affected age was between 1 and 5 years, with emphasis on younger animals. There were more gastric FB cases compared to esophageal FB cases, which was related to the interval between the ingestion of the object and veterinary care. Although not the most prevalent FB, the high rate of mango pits can be explained by the vast number of mango trees in the Federal District. There were few complications compared to the success of cases, indicating that endoscopy is the procedure of choice for the diagnosis and removal of FBs from the gastrointestinal tract.

SYN-007, an Orally Administered Beta-Lactamase Enzyme, Protects the Gut Microbiome from Oral Amoxicillin/Clavulanate without Adversely Affecting Antibiotic Systemic Absorption in Dogs.

Beta-lactamases, enzymes produced by bacteria to degrade beta-lactam antibiotics, have been harnessed as therapeutics to protect the gut microbiome from damage caused by antibiotics. Proof-of-concept of this approach using SYN-004 (ribaxamase), a beta-lactamase formulated for oral delivery with intravenous (IV) penicillins and cephalosporins, was demonstrated with animal models and in humans. Ribaxamase degraded ceftriaxone in the gastrointestinal tract, protected the gut microbiome, significantly reduced the incidence of Clostridioides difficile disease and attenuated emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms. SYN-007 is a delayed release formulation of ribaxamase intended for use with oral beta-lactams. In dogs treated with oral amoxicillin, SYN-007 diminished antibiotic-mediated microbiome disruption and reduced the emergence of antibiotic resistance without altering amoxicillin systemic absorption. Here, SYN-007 function in the presence of clavulanate, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, was investigated. Dogs received amoxicillin (40 mg/kg, orally (PO), three times a day (TID)) or the combined antibiotic/beta-lactamase inhibitor, amoxicillin/clavulanate (40 mg/kg amoxicillin, 5.7 mg/kg clavulanate, PO, TID) +/™ SYN-007 (10 mg, PO, TID) for five days. Serum amoxicillin levels were not significantly different +/™ SYN-007 compared to amoxicillin alone or amoxicillin/clavulanate alone as controls for both first and last doses, indicating SYN-007 did not interfere with systemic absorption of the antibiotic. Whole genome shotgun metagenomics analyses of the fecal microbiomes demonstrated both amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanate significantly reduced diversity and increased the frequency of antibiotic resistance genes. Microbiome damage appeared more severe with amoxicillin/clavulanate. In contrast, with SYN-007, microbiome diversity was not significantly altered, and frequency of antibiotic resistance genes did not increase. Importantly, SYN-007 functioned in the presence of clavulanate to protect the gut microbiome indicating that SYN-007 activity was not inhibited by clavulanate in the dog gastrointestinal tract. SYN-007 has the potential to expand microbiome protection to beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations delivered orally or systemically.

Anaplastic Large T-Cell Lymphoma in the Intestine of Dogs.

Anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (ALTCL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma that occasionally occurs in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) type 1 is the most common type of intestinal lymphoma in dogs, and ALTCL has not previously been reported in the intestinal tract of dogs. Thirteen dogs with intestinal masses diagnosed as intestinal lymphoma with anaplastic morphology were reviewed. Clinical data, including treatment protocols, were available for 11 cases. Immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD20, and CD30 was performed for all cases in addition to PCR for Antigen Receptor Rearrangements (PARR) for assessment of clonality. Eight (62%) of the cases presented with intestinal perforation, and all cases had 1 or more masses arising from the small intestine. Histologically, all cases were characterized by transmural infiltrates of large, CD3-positive and frequently CD30-positive cells. Neoplastic T cells had marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, prominent nucleoli, and occasionally indented to reniform nuclei. There was abundant necrosis and inflammation with occasional vascular invasion within neoplastic masses. All cases had a monoclonal T-cell receptor γ gene rearrangement. The median survival time was 5 days, with 1 dog surviving 2 years after the initial diagnosis. ALTCL can occur as an aggressive transmural lymphoma in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and commonly causes intestinal perforation. ALTCL can be differentiated from EATL type 1 and might have implications for accurate prognostication and selection of therapeutic options in the future.

Role of gut microbiota in dog and cat's health and diseases.

Mammalian gastrointestinal tract is colonized by a large number of microorganisms, known as gut microbiota, that play a key role in the physiological and pathological states. In particular, the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats harbors a complex and highly biodiverse microbial ecosystem. Recent studies see it involved in a wide range of life processes, including energy needs, metabolism, immunological activity, and neuro-behavioral development. This review focuses on the role of the microbiota on the health of pets and will discuss changes that occur in the disease.

Gastric Leiomyosarcoma Associated with Hypoglycemia in Dog—A Case Report

Neoplasms of the digestive system are uncommon in dogs, and may be of epithelial, neuroendocrine, hematopoietic and mesenchymal origin. The leiomyosarcoma is a tumor of mesenchymal origin of smooth, malignant, slow-growing muscles. Paraneoplastic syndromes can affect different systems, being the most commonly found: hypercalcemia, hypoglycemia, cachexia and anemia. There are rare cases of mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs that result in hypoglycaemia with clinical signs. The objective of this study is to report a case of gastric leiomyosarcoma associated with clinical hypoglycemia. The patient had neurological signs such as ataxia and seizures associated with hypoglycemia, which did not recur after surgical excision of the tumor. The definitive diagnosis was based on the histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the tumor.

ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОСТЬ ЖЕЛУДОЧНО-КИШЕЧНОГО ТРАКТА СОБАК ПРИ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ПРОБИОТИКОТЕРАПИИ В ПОСТОПЕРАЦИОННОМ ПЕРИОДЕ

The article presents the materials reflecting the functional features of the gastrointestinal tract of dogs after surgery on the organs of the digestive system. Probiotic therapy was used as a method of recovery of gastrointestinal microbiocenosis in the postoperative period.

Gastrointestinal effects following acupuncture at Pericardium-6 and Stomach-36 in healthy dogs: a pilot study.

To quantify changes in gastric and intestinal emptying times in the conscious dog following gastrointestinal acupoint stimulation. In a randomised, blinded crossover study, six dogs were fed 30×1.5 mm barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres and underwent: (1) no acupuncture (Control); (2) stimulation of target points PC6 and ST36 (Target) and (3) stimulation of non-target points LU7 and BL55 (Sham). Abdominal radiographs were assessed immediately after feeding the spheres and every hour for 12 hours and their number in the stomach and large intestines was counted. The number of barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres found distal to the stomach was less in the Target group compared to the Control and Sham groups between hours 2 and 4, but no differences between groups were seen for the remainder of the treatment period. The number of spheres found within the colon/rectum was less in the Target group compared to the Control and Sham groups between hours 4 and 6, and compared to the Sham group only at hour 7 but no differences between groups were seen after hour 8. Acupuncture targeted at the gastrointestinal tract of dogs was associated briefly with slowed gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit time. This foundational study lays the groundwork for additional studies of acupuncture effects associated with altered physiologic states.

Distribution of bile acid receptor TGR5 in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.

Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5 (TGR5) is a receptor for bile acids and its expression has been described in a variety of tissues and species. Characterization of TGR5 distribution and function has been investigated in drug discovery for the treatment of metabolic diseases in humans. Because dogs are one of the species used in biomedical research and share some similarities with human gastrointestinal diseases, the objective of this study was to characterize the distribution of TGR5 receptor in the canine species. This study characterizes the distribution of TGR5 receptor in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas of 8 dogs. The distribution of TGR5 antigen and mRNA expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry and RNA in situ hybridization, respectively. TGR5 immunolabeling was located in the cell membrane or in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. TGR5 immunolabeling was broadly distributed in macrophages, endothelial cells, ganglion cells, and leiomyocytes throughout all the examined tissues. Epithelial cells from tongue, stomach to rectum, as well as from gallbladder, biliary and pancreatic ducts demonstrated TGR5 immunolabeling. In endocrine cells, TGR5 immunolabeling was observed in intestinal enteroendocrine cells and islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. The hepatocytes had a unique pattern of immunolabeling located on the canalicular surface of the cell membrane. TGR5 mRNA expression was located mainly in the nucleus and the only negative cells throughout all examined tissues were striated muscle from tongue and esophagus, muscularis mucosae, esophageal glands, and hepatic sinusoids. These findings indicate that the bile acid receptor TGR5 is ubiquitously distributed in the canine gastrointestinal tract.