Characterizing the Fecal Microbiome in Spinal Cord Injury

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common cause of spinal cord injury (SCI) in dogs and significantly impacts quality of life. While surgical decompression is the recommended treatment for compressive injury, information is lacking on what treatment best targets contusive injury. Several methods for treating the contusive injury have been investigated in dogs but an optional treatment has yet to be determined. Studies in mice and people have demonstrated the presence of gut dysbiosis (alterations in gut bacterial homeostasis) secondary to SCI. The dysbiosis is thought to impair recovery by decreasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SFCAs) which play a role in suppressing inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, the dysbiosis contributes to the onset and progression of intraspinal pathology after SCI, including further inflammation. Canine studies have demonstrated that inflammatory mechanisms may play a critical role in canine SCI associated with IVDD. Therefore, targeting gut dysbiosis could have significant therapeutic value in the management of SCI.

The purpose of this study is to determine if gut dysbiosis occurs in dogs with spinal cord injury secondary to IVDD compared to healthy dogs. We are looking for dogs presenting for acute paralysis with intact pain sensation of less than 7 days duration. Additionally, we will be using a housemate as a control so another healthy dog in the household is required for enrollment of both pets.

Participation:

Inclusion Criteria (SCI Dogs):

• Dogs at least 2 years of age, in overall good health otherwise presenting for suspected IVDD
• No previous history of IVDD or surgery for IVDD
• No history of gastrointestinal disease, other neurologic disease, or concurrent illness
• No antibiotic, corticosteroid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), or proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) use for at least 1 month prior to enrollment. Dogs CANNOT currently be on any of these medications either.
• Dogs on Gabapentin (pain medication) CAN BE ENROLLED if this is the only medication.
• Any dog that received any vaccines within the month prior to enrollment, WILL NOT be enrolled in the study.
• Dogs that have been paraplegic longer than 7 days CANNOT be enrolled in the study.

Eligibility diagnostics:

In order to be enrolled in the study, all dogs will have to have a normal physical and neurologic exam, normal lab work, including a CBC, serum chemistry, and urinalysis.

Additionally, MRI confirmation of intervertebral disc disease is required for enrollment.

Owner's Requirements:

Upon presentation, bloodwork (CBC, chemistry) and a urinalysis will be performed. Additionally, a fresh fecal sample will be collected after being naturally passed or collected via digital removal from the rectum for the purpose of DNA extraction and sequencing.