1609: Use of Probiotic to Reduce the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Grant Status: Closed
Abstract
Idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common cause of chronic gastrointestinal disease in dogs. Accumulating evidence in human IBD and animal models suggests that imbalances in composition of the intestinal microbiota contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal inflammation. Recent studies have also shown that dogs with IBD have distinctly different duodenal microbial communities compared to healthy dogs. Current treatments for IBD include the administration of nonspecific anti-inflammatory drugs which may confer serious side effects and do not address the underlying basis for disease, namely, altered microbial composition. Use of probiotics (viable, non-pathogenic bacteria that exert health benefits beyond basic nutrition) offers an attractive, physiologic, and non-toxic alternative to shift the balance to protective species and treat IBD. The aim of the proposed study is to investigate the clinical, microbiologic, and anti-inflammatory effects of probiotic VSL#3 in the treatment of canine IBD. These studies will provide highly relevant insight into the anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics for treatment of human and canine IBD.
Publication(s)
- Otoni, R. Atilmann, M. Garcia-Sancho, et al. Serologic and fecal markers in prediction of acute disease course in canine chronic enteropathies. J Vet Intern Med 2012; 26:768-769. - Slovak et al. Inter- and intra-observer assessment in the endoscopic
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.
