COMPANION ANIMALS SYMPOSIUM: Microbes and gastrointestinal health of dogs and cats1

Abstract

Recent molecular studies have revealed complex bacterial, fungal, archaeal, and viral communities in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats. More than 10 bacterial phyla have been identified, with Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Actinobacteria constituting more than 99% of all gut microbiota. Microbes act as a defending barrier against invading pathogens, aid in digestion, provide nutritional support for enterocytes, and play a crucial role in the development of the immune system. Of significance for gastrointestinal health is their ability to ferment dietary substrates into short-chain fatty acids, predominantly to acetate, propionate, and butyrate. However, microbes can have also a detrimental effect on host health. Specific pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens) have been implicated in acute and chronic gastrointestinal disease. Compositional changes in the small intestinal microbiota, potentially leading to changes in intestinal permeability and digestive function, have been suggested in canine small intestinal dysbiosis or antibiotic-responsive diarrhea. There is mounting evidence that microbes play an important role in the pathogenesis of canine and feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Current theories for the development of IBD favor a combination of environmental factors, the intestinal microbiota, and a genetic susceptibility of the host. Recent studies have revealed a genetic susceptibility for defective bacterial clearance in Boxer dogs with granulomatous colitis. Differential expression of pathogen recognition receptors (i.e., Toll-like receptors) were identified in dogs with chronic enteropathies. Similarly to humans, a microbial dysbiosis has been identified in feline and canine IBD. Commonly observed microbial changes are increased Proteobacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli) with concurrent decreases in Firmicutes, especially a reduced diversity in Clostridium clusters XIVa and IV (i.e., Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibacterium spp.). This would indicate that these bacterial groups, important short-chain fatty acid producers, may play an important role in promoting intestinal health.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis in addition to premedication in gastrointestinal surgery

“…Opposed results were obtained with neomycin which is also an aminoglycoside as gentamicin and erythromycin which are considered the most effective [8]. Holle et al [19] in their investigation reported that erythromycin increases intestinal motility and therefore reduces bacteria because normal intestinal motility is a major defense mechanism against the attachment of pathogenic bacteria in the small intestine [1]. In the current research in intestinal dysbiosis occurred, owing to that, Klebsiella spp.…”

“…They serve as a defending barrier against invading pathogens, aid in digestion and energy collection from the diet, assist in nutritional entrance into enterocytes and stimulate the local immune system [1]. Gastrointestinal surgery procedures due to its anatomical and physiological attributes is demanding.…”

Adrenomedullin regulates intestinal physiology and pathophysiology

“…Gastrointestinal diseases are commonly diagnosed in all kinds of domestic and farm animals, including exotic pet mammals [2], dogs [3,4], cats [4,5], or horses [6], among others. Many of them are idiopathic, chronic, relapsing disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) [7].…”

Proper use of Quinolones for canine colitis ambulatory treatment: literature review and REQUEST guidelines

“…This phenomenon is supported by recent studies that have revealed a genetic susceptibility to defective bacterial clearance in Boxer dogs with GC. Differential expression of pathogen recognition receptors were identified in dogs with enteropathies (Suchodolski 2011). In boxer dogs with large bowel diarrhea the macrophages in the lamina propria and submucosa, as well as these aggregates in regional lymph nodes showed immunoreactivity with polyclonal E. coli antibody.…”