1731: A Novel Approach to Understanding How Meningoencephalomyelitis Develops In Dogs
Grant Status: Closed
Project Summary
The original hypothesis, that there will be a different population of microbiota between affected and control individuals (specifically that of Faecalibacterium spp) is not supported by the data. However, the data do suggest that gut bacterial populations may play a role in the development of this disease, just that their effect is not dominant over other factors that might also interact in determining the onset of this disease. The best interpretation of the data may be that the genetic background of each individual animal might influence the balance of the gut microbiota – thus, specific breeds might influence their risk of MUE through influence on the specific microbiota population they develop.
We have a wealth of further data from these sample populations and there is much further analysis that we can do to explore the role of different microbial populations as a causal factor for MUE. Our further analysis of the microbiota and comparisons between the microbiota in affected and unaffected dogs might provide further insights into whether specific subtypes of bacterial genus might be important in development of this disease.
Publication(s)
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.
