Intestine Of Dogs Research Articles

Altered Intestinal Production of Volatile Fatty Acids in Dogs Triggered by Lactulose and Psyllium Treatment.

The intestinal microbiome of dogs can be influenced by a number of factors such as non-starch polysaccharides as well as some non-digestible oligo- and disaccharides. These molecules are only decomposed by intestinal anaerobic microbial fermentation, resulting in the formation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which play a central role in maintaining the balance of the intestinal flora and affecting the health status of the host organism. In the present study, the effects of lactulose and psyllium husk (Plantago ovata) were investigated regarding their influence on concentrations of various VFAs produced by the canine intestinal microbiome. Thirty dogs were kept on a standard diet for 15 days, during which time half of the animals received oral lactulose once a day, while the other group was given a psyllium-supplemented diet (in 0.67 and in 0.2 g/kg body weight concentrations, respectively). On days 0, 5, 10 and 15 of the experiment, feces were sampled from the rectum, and the concentration of each VFA was determined by GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). Lactulose administration caused a significant increase in the total VFA concentration of the feces on days 10 and 15 of the experiment (p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively); however, in the case of psyllium supplementation, the concentration of VFAs showed a significant elevation only on day 15 (p = 0.003). Concentrations of acetate and propionate increased significantly on days 5, 10 and 15 after lactulose treatment (p = 0.044, p = 0.048 and p < 0.001, respectively). Following psyllium administration, intestinal acetate, propionate and n-butyrate production were stimulated on day 15, as indicated by the fecal VFA levels (p = 0.002, p = 0.035 and p = 0.02, respectively). It can be concluded that both lactulose and psyllium are suitable for enhancing the synthesis of VFAs in the intestines of dogs. Increased acetate and propionate concentrations were observed following the administration of both supplements; however, elevated n-butyrate production was found only after psyllium treatment, suggesting that the applied prebiotics may exert slightly different effects in the hindgut of dogs. These findings can be also of great importance regarding the treatment and management of patients suffering from intestinal disorders as well as hepatic encephalopathy due to portosystemic shunt.

Molecular detection and genotyping of Taenia hydatigena between intermediate (sheep and goats) and final hosts (stray dogs) in Baghdad city

Taenia hydatigena cestode parasite found in the intestine of dogs and larval stage Cysticercus tenuicollis located in visceral organs of intermediate hosts (sheep and goats). In this study, investigate the genetic variation among the recovered isolates from sheep, goats, and stray dogs in Baghdad city, based on the mitochondrial cox1 gene. After DNA extraction, the PCR that was used indicated the specificity at the band (450bp) on the agarose gel. Sequencing and phylogenetic results were divided into three groups depending on the closed relationship between them and to NCBI-Blast T. hydatigena.

Immunohistochemical detection of caspase 3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the intestines of dogs naturally infected with parvovirus.

Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkiye. Canine parvovirus (CPV) causes a contagious and fatal viral disease in dogs characterized by hemorrhagic enteritis. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death and one of the primary markers of this process is caspase 3. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is also associated with important vital cellular processes. This study was conducted to examine the expressions of caspase 3 and PCNA in the intestinal samples of dogs naturally infected with CPV using immunohistochemical methods. A total of 30 dogs with parvoviral enteritis and five control dogs gut tissues were evaluated for caspase 3 and PCNA expressions. Increased immunoactivities of caspase 3 and PCNA were observed in epithelial, crypt and inflammatory cells in the CPV-infected dogs. Increased expressions of both markers were observed being related to the severity of disease. These results demonstrated the important roles of caspase 3 and PCNA in CPV pathogenesis. These markers may be useful for early diagnosis, estimation of the severity or future treatment strategies of this important disease.

Surgical measurement of the length of the large intestinal tract in Nigerian local dogs

This study aimed to determine the total large intestinal length (TLIL) and the lengths of its various segments in Nigerian local dogs. Six (6) adult autochthonous Nigerian local dogs were used for this study. The dogs were premedicated, intramuscularly, with atropine sulphate and xylazine hydrochloride. They were administered anaesthesia and maintained with Thiopentone sodium intravenously. Access to their abdominal cavity was obtained via a mid-ventral abdominal incision. The large intestine was exteriorized and measured from caecum to rectum. The crown-rump length (CRL) and caecum (C) were significantly longer (p&lt;0.05) in the larger dogs (11–16 kg) compared to the smaller ones (5–10 kg). The colon and rectum (CR), TLIL and the ratio of crown-rump length to intestinal length (CRLT) did not differ significantly (p&gt;0.05) between these two size-wise categories of dogs. The ratios of crown-rump length to weight (CRLW) and large intestinal length to weight (LILW) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the smaller dogs than in the larger ones. There was a strong correlation between the weight and the CRL (0.53) and between the weight and TLIL (0.66). The average TLIL was 48.3 cm in the larger dogs and 45.1 cm in the smaller ones. The average colon and rectum length was 37.7 cm in the larger dogs and 36.8 cm in the smaller ones. The average C length was 10.2 cm in the larger dogs and 8.3 cm in the smaller ones. The average CRL was 1.5 times the average TLIL in Nigerian local dogs. Conclusion: Body size does not affect the total length of the large intestine of Nigerian local dogs. However, the caecum is significantly longer in the bigger dogs.

Localization of the Serotonin Transporter in the Dog Intestine and Comparison to the Rat and Human Intestines.

Serotonin is crucial in gastrointestinal functions, including motility, sensitivity, secretion, and the inflammatory response. The serotonin transporter (SERT), responsible for serotonin reuptake and signaling termination, plays a prominent role in gastrointestinal physiology, representing a promising therapeutic target in digestive disorders. Serotonin transporter expression has been poorly investigated in veterinary medicine, under both healthy and pathological conditions, including canine chronic enteropathy, in which the serotonin metabolism seems to be altered. The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of SERT immunoreactivity (SERT-IR) in the dog intestine and to compare the findings with those obtained in the rat and human intestines. Serotonin transporter-IR was observed in canine enterocytes, enteric neurons, lamina propria cells and the tunica muscularis. Data obtained in dogs were consistent with those obtained in rats and humans. Since the majority of the serotonin produced by the body is synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract, SERT-expressing cells may exert a role in the mechanism of serotonin reuptake.

Expression and biological functions of Ancylostoma ceylanicum saposin-like protein.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a common zoonotic nematode that inhabits the small intestine of humans, dogs, and cats. Saposin-like proteins (SLPs) have hemolytic and antibacterial activities and could be used as diagnostic or vaccine candidates. To explore the biological functions of Ancylostoma ceylanicum SLP (Ace-SLP-1), cDNA-encoding Ace-SLP-1 mature peptide was cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) to induce expression. After incubation of canine red blood cell suspension with different concentrations of recombinant Ace-SLP-1, the supernatant was separated to measure OD value and calculate the hemolysis rate. The different concentrations of recombinant protein were co-cultured with E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis, and colony-forming units (CFU) were determined by the plate counting method. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy dogs were incubated with different concentrations of recombinant Ace-SLP-1, and the cytokine expression was evaluated by relative quantitative PCR. Our results showed that the hemolytic activity of Ace-SLP-1 increased with the increase in protein concentration from 25 to 100μg/mL. The recombinant protein had no antibacterial activity against the two kinds of bacteria but could stimulate the secretion of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-13) in canine PBMCs. These data suggest that Ace-SLP-1 is involved in hookworm blood-feeding and survival and has good immunogenicity, supporting its potential as a diagnostic and vaccine target molecule.

L-citrulline: A preclinical safety biomarker for the small intestine in rats and dogs in repeat dose toxicity studies

IntroductionGastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is still an issue within drug development, especially for novel oncology drugs. The identification of GI mucosal damage at an early stage with high sensitivity and specificity across preclinical species and humans remains difficult. To date, in preclinical studies, no qualified mechanistic, diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers exist for GI mucosal toxicity. L-citrulline is one of the most promising biomarker candidates used in clinical settings to quantify enterocyte integrity in various small intestinal diseases. L-citrulline is an intermediate metabolic amino acid produced mainly by functional enterocytes of the small intestine, whereby enterocyte loss will cause a drop in circulating L-citrulline. MethodsIn several repeat-dose toxicity studies, plasma L-citrulline has been evaluated as a potential safety biomarker for intestinal toxicity in beagle dogs and Wistar (Han) rats treated with different oncological drug candidates in drug development. Clinical observations and body weight determinations were performed during the pretreatment, treatment and treatment-free recovery period as well as toxicokinetic, gross and histopathology examinations. The quantitative determination of plasma L-citrulline levels during the pretreatment (only dogs), treatment and treatment-free recovery period were performed using an HPLC MS/MS assay. In cynomolgus monkeys, the first investigations on baseline L-citrulline levels were performed. ResultsIn dogs, a dose- and exposure-dependent decrease of up to 50% in plasma L-citrulline was seen without histopathological alterations. However, a decrease of more than 50% in comparison to the individual animal pretreatment value of L-citrulline correlated very well with histopathological findings (intestinal crypt necrosis, villus atrophy, enterocyte loss) and clinical signs (bloody faeces and diarrhoea). During a treatment-free recovery period, a trend of increasing levels was observed in dogs. In rats, absolute L-citrulline plasma levels of treated animals decreased compared to the values of the concurrent control group. This decrease also correlated with the histopathological findings in the small intestine (single cell necrosis and mucosa atrophy). Because of a large physiological variation in L-citrulline plasma levels in dogs and rats, a clear cut-off value for absolute L-citrulline levels predictive of intestinal mucosal toxicity was difficult to establish. However, a > 50% decrease in L-citrulline plasma levels during the treatment period strongly correlated with histopathological findings. DiscussionBased on the performed analysis, a longitudinal investigation of L-citrulline plasma levels for individual animals in the control and treatment groups is essential and pretreatment values of L-citrulline levels in rodents would be highly informative. Overall, further cross-species comparison (Cynomolgus monkey, mouse) and implementation in clinical trials as exploratory biomarker is essential to foster the hypothesis and to understand completely the clinical relevance of L-citrulline as a small intestine biomarker.

Fenofibrate promotes PPAR\u03b1-targeted recovery of the intestinal epithelial barrier at the host-microbe interface in dogs with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a dysfunctional intestinal barrier and an increased risk for systemic infection and inflammation in people, though the pathogenic mechanisms leading to this are poorly understood. Using a canine model of DM, we showed that the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-α agonist fenofibrate modulates plasma lipid profiles and markers of intestinal barrier function. A 3-week course of fenofibrate reduced fasting interstitial glucose and inflammatory cytokine IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations, which correlated with reduced triglyceride levels. The lipidomic profile exhibited significantly lower levels of triacylglycerols, phosphatidylethanolamines, diacylglycerols, and ceramides following fenofibrate administration. On histopathological analysis, we observed an aberrant amount of intraepithelial CD3+ T lymphocytes (IEL) in the small intestine of dogs with spontaneous and induced-DM. Fenofibrate reduced IEL density in the duodenum of dogs with DM and enhanced markers of intestinal barrier function in vivo and in vitro. There were minimal changes in the intestinal microbial composition following fenofibrate administration, suggesting that repair of intestinal barriers can be achieved independently of the resident microbiota. Our findings indicate that lipid metabolism is critical to functionality of the intestinal epithelium, which can be rescued by PPARα activation in dogs with DM.

Euryhelmis squamula (Digenea: Heterophyidae) Recovered from Korean Raccoon Dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, in Korea.

In this study, we intended to describe an unrecorded species of heterophyid trematode recovered from the small intestine of a Korean raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, in Korea. A total of 13 small flukes were collected from a deceased Korean raccoon dog which was found in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Korea in May 2017. The trematode body were covered with many small spines, rectangular, broader than long, 807–1,103 μm long and 1,270–1,550 μm wide. Oral sucker in the anterior end slightly smaller than acetabulum. Pharynx muscular and well developed. Esophagus relatively long and sigmoid. Acetabulum small and located at median in anterior 2/5 portion. Ceca bifurcated at the anterior of genital pore and acetabulum and terminated at testis level. Testes larger, deeply lobed and located at the near of posterior end of body. Ovary small, triangular and located at the slight left of median and the anterior of left testis. Vitelline follicles dendritic and extend from the middle level of esophagus to the posterior portion of body. Eggs embryonated, operculated, small and 33–35×15–16 μm in size. Based on the morphological characteristics, the small heterophyid flukes recovered from the small intestines of Korean raccoon dog, N. procyonoides koreensis, were identified as Euryhelmis squamula (Digenea: Heterophyidae). Accordingly, this species of heterophyid flukes is to be a new trematode fauna in Korea by this study.

L-citrulline: A preclinical safety biomarker for the small intestine in rats and dogs in repeat dose toxicity studies

IntroductionGastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is still an issue within drug development, especially for novel oncology drugs. The identification of GI mucosal damage at an early stage with high sensitivity and specificity across preclinical species and humans remains difficult. To date, in preclinical studies, no qualified mechanistic, diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers exist for GI mucosal toxicity. l-citrulline is one of the most promising biomarker candidates used in clinical settings to quantify enterocyte integrity in various small intestinal diseases. l-citrulline is an intermediate metabolic amino acid produced mainly by functional enterocytes of the small intestine, whereby enterocyte loss will cause a drop in circulating l-citrulline. MethodsIn several repeat-dose toxicity studies, plasma l-citrulline has been evaluated as a potential safety biomarker for intestinal toxicity in beagle dogs and Wistar (Han) rats treated with different oncological drug candidates in drug development. Clinical observations and body weight determinations were performed during the pretreatment, treatment and treatment-free recovery period as well as toxicokinetic, gross and histopathology examinations. The quantitative determination of plasma l-citrulline levels during the pretreatment (only dogs), treatment and treatment-free recovery period were performed using an HPLC MS/MS assay. In cynomolgus monkeys, the first investigations on baseline l-citrulline levels were performed. ResultsIn dogs, a dose- and exposure-dependent decrease of up to 50% in plasma l-citrulline was seen without histopathological alterations. However, a decrease of more than 50% in comparison to the individual animal pretreatment value of l-citrulline correlated very well with histopathological findings (intestinal crypt necrosis, villus atrophy, enterocyte loss) and clinical signs (bloody faeces and diarrhoea). During a treatment-free recovery period, a trend of increasing levels was observed in dogs. In rats, absolute l-citrulline plasma levels of treated animals decreased compared to the values of the concurrent control group. This decrease also correlated with the histopathological findings in the small intestine (single cell necrosis and mucosa atrophy). Because of a large physiological variation in l-citrulline plasma levels in dogs and rats, a clear cut-off value for absolute l-citrulline levels predictive of intestinal mucosal toxicity was difficult to establish. However, a > 50% decrease in l-citrulline plasma levels during the treatment period strongly correlated with histopathological findings. DiscussionBased on the performed analysis, a longitudinal investigation of l-citrulline plasma levels for individual animals in the control and treatment groups is essential and pretreatment values of l-citrulline levels in rodents would be highly informative. Overall, further cross-species comparison (Cynomolgus monkey, mouse) and implementation in clinical trials as exploratory biomarker is essential to foster the hypothesis and to understand completely the clinical relevance of l-citrulline as a small intestine biomarker.

Levantamento das alterações do trato gastrointestinal em cães submetidos a necropsia na Universidade Presidente Antônio Carlos, em Uberlândia-MG

O sistema digestório tem como função fazer a digestão e absorção de nutrientes de modo a fornecer energia para o crescimento e renovação celular. Esse sistema é constituído pelos seguintes segmentos: boca, faringe, esôfago, estômago, intestino delgado, intestino grosso e canal anal. Os cães estão expostos a vários agentes (bactérias, vírus, parasitos e corpos estranhos) que podem acarretar diversos distúrbios gastrointestinais e provocar alterações patológicas no trato gastrointestinal. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as principais patologias encontradas no estômago e intestino de cães por meio do exame de necropsia. Para tanto, foram avaliadas 83 fichas de necropsias preenchidas entre fevereiro de 2014 e abril de 2016, provenientes das aulas práticas de Patologia Animal da Universidade Presidente Antônio Carlos (UNIPAC), de Uberlândia-MG. Durante o estudo, apuraram-se alterações gastrointestinais em 70 casos do total analisado. Ao final do levantamento, constataram-se como alterações mais frequentes: mucosa espessada e hiperêmica, presença de hemorragia, presença de muco e erosões na mucosa.

A study on safe forceps grip force for the intestinal tract using haptic technology

Purpose The present study used haptic technology to determine the safe forceps grip force for preventing organ damage when handling the intestinal tract. Material and methods The small intestines of ten male beagle dogs (weighing 9.5–10 kg) were grasped with the entire forceps for one minute; the small intestines were then pulled out of the forceps and evaluated for damage. The force at which the shaft inside the forceps was pulled to close the tip of the forceps was defined as the grip force. Small intestine damage was classified into macroscopic (serosal defects, hemorrhage, hematomas, grip marks) and microscopic (damage layer to the mucosa, submucosa/muscularis mucosa, inner orbicularis muscle, external longitudinal muscle, serosa/subserosa). Grip marks and damage layer to the serosa/subserosa have been considered as acceptable safety margins when grasping the small intestines of beagle dogs. Results The macroscopic findings showed that the maximum grip force that produced a 0% incidence of hemorrhage and hematoma was 15 N. At the microscopic level, the maximum grip force that produced a 0% incidence of external longitudinal muscle injury was 15 N, respectively. Conclusions A grip force of 15 N does not damage the small intestines of beagle dogs.

Spatial distance between sites of sampling associated with genetic variation among Neospora caninum in aborted bovine foetuses from northern Italy

BackgroundNeospora caninum, a coccidian protozoan, represents an important cause of bovine abortion. Available N. caninum strains show considerable variation in vitro and in vivo, including different virulence in cattle. To which extent sexual recombination, which is possible in the intestines of domestic dogs and closely related carnivores as definitive hosts, contributes to this variation is not clear yet.MethodsAborted bovine foetuses were collected between 2015 and early 2019 from Italian Holstein Friesian dairy herds suffering from reproductive problems. A total of 198 samples were collected from 165 intensive farms located in Lombardy, northern Italy. N. caninum samples were subjected to multilocus-microsatellite genotyping using ten previously established microsatellite markers. In addition to our own data, those from a recent study providing data on five markers from other northern Italian regions were included and analysed.ResultsOf the 55 samples finally subjected to genotyping, 35 were typed at all or 9 out of 10 loci and their individual multilocus-microsatellite genotype (MLMG) determined. Linear regression revealed a statistically significant association between the spatial distance of the sampling sites with the genetic distance of N. caninum MLMGs (P < 0.001). Including data from this and a previous North Italian study into eBURST analysis revealed that several of N. caninum MLMGs from northern Italy separate into four groups; most of the samples from Lombardy clustered in one of these groups. Principle component analysis revealed similar clusters and confirmed MLMG groups identified by eBURST. Variations observed between MLMGs were not equally distributed over all loci, but predominantly observed in MS7, MS6A, or MS10.ConclusionsOur findings confirm the concept of local N. caninum subpopulations. The geographic distance of sampling was associated with the genetic distance as determined by microsatellite typing. Results suggest that multi-parental recombination in N. caninum is a rare event, but does not exclude uniparental mating. More comprehensive studies on microsatellites in N. caninum and related species like Toxoplasma gondii should be undertaken, not only to improve genotyping capabilities, but also to understand possible functions of these regions in the genomes of these parasites.Graphical

Association of colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the canine large intestine and ileum abnormalities: 54 cases series

ABSTRACT: Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to assess the large intestine through direct inspection of the intestinal mucosa. When associated with histopathological examination of fragments collected from the intestine, the definitive diagnosis can be obtained. This retrospective study evaluated colonoscopy and histopathological exams of the large intestine and ileum of dogs with gastrointestinal disorders admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and the Veterinary Hospital São Francisco de Assis to determine the frequency of injuries, their distribution in the intestinal segments, and the relationship of the findings observed in these two analyzes. The colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the case series were described using absolute and relative frequencies, as well as nature and intensity classification of the findings. Cohen’s Kappa coefficient was obtained to assess the concordance of nature and intensity classifications between colonoscopy and histopathology, and its 95% confidence interval constructed. The analyses were performed using the Software SAS University Edition. It was observed a moderate agreement between the classification of the nature of the findings by endoscopy and histopathology (Kappa coefficient = 0.39, CI = 0.20-0.59). This can also be observed when assessing the frequency of similar diagnoses between the methods, since only 39 (72.22%) were consistent, i.e., 15 (22.78%) diagnoses differed depending on the nature of the finding, which could have a great influence on the final diagnosis if histopathology was disregarded. For the intensity of the injuries, little agreement was observed between the methods (Kappa coefficient = 0.1243, C = -0.05-0.30). This was even more evident in the frequency of similar diagnoses in terms of intensity, of which 20 (37.04%) were similar and 34 (62.96%) were different. Inflammatory affections are the most frequently observed alterations in the large intestine and ileum of dogs. The most common finding that reveals inflammatory changes is the lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. As for the proliferative and neoplastic lesions, adenomatous polyps and lymphoma were common. The most affected sites of the large intestine were the descending colon and the rectum. Findings such as edema and reddening of the mucosa were frequent by macroscopy. Although the changes observed by colonoscopy and histopathology may not be similar, these techniques are complementary, which makes biopsies mandatory for a diagnostic conclusion.

Seroprevalence of Toxocara Infection among Asthmatic Children in Shiraz City, Southern Iran.

Background:Human toxocariasis is caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati, the nematodes in the intestine of dogs and cats, respectively. Since the association between asthma and toxocariasis is controversial, the aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among asthmatic children in comparison with healthy children.Methods:This case-control study was conducted on 92 asthmatic and 91 healthy children aged 1–16 years old in Shiraz City, Southern Iran in 2019–2020. The serum samples were tested for IgG anti-Toxocara antibodies by ELISA method using the T. canis larval excretory-secretory (E/S) antigens. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software.Results:The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in asthmatic patients was higher than the healthy children with no significant difference in Toxocara seropositivity between two groups (9.8% vs 8.8%, P = 0.817). The association between Toxocara infection and variables such as gender and age were not statistically significant.Conclusion:There was no significant association between toxocariasis and childhood asthma. Further study on different regions such as urban and rural areas with a large sample size and using questionnaire for considering risk factors of asthma and toxocariasis is recommended.

Efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 against Giardia duodenalis trophozoites: an experimental study

Giardia duodenalis, formerly known as Giardia lamblia, is an important zoonotic protozoan parasite. It mainly infects the intestines of humans, dogs, cats and domestic animals, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion and weight loss. At present, all the clinical drugs for the treatment of Giardia have problems such as side effects and drug resistance to varying degrees, and the development of new drugs for the treatment of Giardia is still a hot issue. There is growing interest in using probiotics as an anti-intestinal parasite strategy. The present study aimed to assess the effect of supernatants of Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. lactis BB-12 on giardia the growth of giardia trophozoites. In this study, the Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 were cultured in BBL liquid medium, and the effects of the supernatants on the growth and adhesion of trophozoites of Giardia were observed. The results showed that the growth of Giardia flagellate was significantly inhibited by the supernatant. The influence of the supernatant on the morphology of the trophozoites was observed by microscope, and it was found that the surface of the trophozoites was uneven, the shape was atrophied, the surface cell membrane was broken to some extent, and the contents were spilt. In summary, the results of this study suggest that the fresh-cultured supernatants of the probiotic Bifidobacterium Animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 have anti-Giardia effects.

Classification of Intestinal Microorganisms Cultured from the Feces of Pet Dogs Fed Commercial Feed

The purpose of this study was to investigate the microorganisms found in the intestines of dogs fed commercial feed though the aerobic culture of dog excrement. 16 specimens of pet dog feces were cultured employing BAP, MaC, and EMB medium. Strains of Escherichia coli were detected in all the cultured specimens, along with a few other bacteria of significance. All 16 samples were identified as containing multiple E. coli strains using a API20E kit. Two samples showed a swarming phenomenon in the BAP medium that was identified as a Proteus mirabilis strain. In 10 samples, only E. coli species were identified, while E. coli species and P. mirabilis species were identified in 2 samples. A small number of E. coli and gram-positive bacteria were detected in 3 specimens, and a small number of E. coli and gram-positive rods were detected in one specimen. It has been shown that E. coli is predominantly distributed in the feces of dogs fed with commercial feed. The fact that E. coli is distributed in the feces of dogs is of concern as it can cause serious problems such as water pollution and food poisoning.

Evaluation of a dual-purpose contrast medium for radiography and ultrasonography of the small intestine in dogs.

To evaluate a contrast medium that could be used for radiographic and ultrasonographic assessment of the small intestine in dogs. 8 healthy adult Beagles. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC; 0.5% solution) was combined with iohexol (300 mg of iodine/mL) to yield modified contrast medium (MCM). Dogs were orally administered the first of 3 MCMs (10 mL/kg [9.5 mL of CMC/kg plus 0.5 mL of iohexol/kg]). Radiographic and ultrasonographic assessment of the small intestine followed 10 minutes after administration and every 10 minutes thereafter, until MCM was seen within the ascending colon. Minimally, 1 week elapsed between dosing of subsequent MCMs (10 mL/kg [9 mL of CMC/kg plus 1 mL of iohexol/kg and 8.5 mL of CMC/kg plus 1.5 mL of iohexol/kg]) and repeated radiography and ultrasonography. Radiographic contrast enhancement of the small intestine was best with MCM that combined 8.5 mL of CMC/kg and 1.5 mL of iohexol/kg. Mean small intestinal transit time for all MCMs was 86 minutes. All MCMs did not interfere with ultrasonographic assessment of the small intestine and may have improved visualization of the far-field small intestinal walls. An MCM that combined 8.5 mL of 0.5% CMC/kg and 1.5 mL of iohexol/kg could be an alternative to barium or iohexol alone for contrast small intestinal radiography in dogs, especially when abdominal ultrasonography is to follow contrast radiography.

Evaluation of jejunal microvasculature of healthy anesthetized dogs with sidestream dark field video microscopy.

To determine the feasibility of sidestream dark field (SDF) video microscopy for the evaluation of the jejunal microvasculature of healthy dogs. 30 healthy sexually intact female shelter dogs anesthetized for ovariohysterectomy. Preoperative physical and clinicopathologic assessments were performed to confirm health status. Then healthy dogs were anesthetized, and the abdomen was incised at the ventral midline for ovariohysterectomy and jejunal microvasculature evaluation. An SDF video microscope imaged the microvasculature of 2 sites of a portion of the jejunum, and recorded videos were analyzed with software capable of quantitating parameters of microvascular health. Macrovascular parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation) were also recorded during anesthesia. Quantified jejunal microvascular parameters included valid microvascular density (mean ± SD, 251.72 ± 97.10 μm/mm), RBC-filling percentage (66.96 ± 8.00%), RBC column width (7.11 ± 0.72 μm), and perfused boundary region (2.17 ± 0.42 μm). The perfused boundary region and RBC-filling percentage had a significant negative correlation. Strong to weak positive correlations were noted among the perfused boundary regions of small-, medium-, and large-sized microvessels. No significant correlations were identified between microvascular parameters and age, body weight, preoperative clinicopathologic results, or macrovascular parameters. Interrogation of the jejunal microvasculature of healthy dogs with SDF video microscopy was feasible. Results of this study indicated that SDF video microscopy is worth additional investigation, including interrogation of diseased small intestine in dogs.

Investigations on Metabolic Changes in Beagle Dogs Fed Probiotic Queso Blanco Cheese and Identification of Candidate Probiotic Fecal Biomarkers Using Metabolomics Approaches.

Intake of probiotic cheese improves the intestinal health of humans and animals. However, metabolic changes in the intestines of dogs in response to the ingestion of probiotic cheese have not been evaluated. Thus, we aimed to determine the metabolic changes in healthy beagle dogs fed queso blanco cheese with added Lactobacillus reuteri KACC 92293 and Bifidobacterium longum KACC 91563 (QCLB) and to identify potential fecal biomarkers to distinguish the metabolic changes based on intake of probiotic cheese through metabolomics approaches. The dogs were randomly divided into three groups and fed a regular diet without any cheese (control), a diet with queso blanco cheese (QC), or one with QCLB for eight weeks. The concentrations of acetic, propionic, and 4-aminobutyric acids were increased in the QCLB group compared to those in the control group. Additionally, higher levels of propionic acid and lower levels of xylose were found in the QCLB group compared to those in the QC group. This is the first report on the identification of metabolic changes in beagle dogs fed queso blanco cheese with added L. reuteri KACC 92293 and B. longum KACC 91563. We also found that metabolomics approaches can be useful for identifying potential fecal markers in dogs fed probiotic cheese.