Effect of size on electrolyte apparent absorption rates and fermentative activity in dogs

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to assess overall electrolyte absorption capacity as well as fermentative activity in dogs varying in body size in order to verify whether these parameters can explain the poor faecal quality in large dogs. Four breeds of dogs were used: six Miniature Poodles (MP), six Standard Schnauzers (SS), six Giant Schnauzers (GS) and six Great Danes (GD). Net absorption rates of electrolytes were assessed by calculating the apparent digestibility of sodium and potassium and measuring their content in stool. Fermentative activity was calculated by measuring faecal concentrations of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids. The results showed higher faecal concentrations of fermentation products and electrolytes as well as poorer digestibility of electrolytes in Giant Schnauzers and Great Danes. Strong positive correlations were found between these different parameters and stool quality (scores and moisture). Lower overall electrolyte absorption and higher fermentative activity could thus be factors capable of explaining poorer faecal quality in these two large dog breeds.

Influence of dietary protein content and source on fecal quality, electrolyte concentrations, and osmolarity, and digestibility in dogs differing in body size1

“…This could be explained by anatomical and physiological differences attributable to dog size (Weber et al, 2004): 1) decreased overall electrolyte absorption, which can be explained, in part, by greater permeability in both the small (We- Within dietary protein content, means without common superscripts differ (P < 0.05). Fecal score: 1.0 = hard and dry; 2.5 = optimal; 5.0 = liquid diarrhea.…”

“…Fermentation could have an indirect impact on electrolyte absorption because it would increase intraluminal osmotic pressure, leading to increased water, Na, and K secretion into the colon (Weber et al, 2004). Therefore, minimizing fermentation could be a way of improving fecal quality (Weber et al, 2004;Hernot et al, 2005b).…”

“…The authors thank C. Thorin (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary School of Nantes) for her crucial role concerning the statistical analysis. Moreover, the authors thank S. Ninet and T. Frégier (Laboratory of Nutrition and Endocrinology, National Veterinary School of Nantes) and their teams for excellent technical assistance.tion in the hindgut (Weber et al, 2002(Weber et al, , 2004Hernot et al, 2003Hernot et al, , 2005b. Additionally, colonic fermentation is related to water and electrolyte absorption because of the greater osmotic potential of its products (Weber et al, 2004).…”

“…Moreover, the authors thank S. Ninet and T. Frégier (Laboratory of Nutrition and Endocrinology, National Veterinary School of Nantes) and their teams for excellent technical assistance.tion in the hindgut (Weber et al, 2002(Weber et al, , 2004Hernot et al, 2003Hernot et al, , 2005b. Additionally, colonic fermentation is related to water and electrolyte absorption because of the greater osmotic potential of its products (Weber et al, 2004). Protein constitutes a large proportion of the diet, and the ileal digestibility of different sources varies widely (Wiernusz et al, 1995;Zentek, 1995;Murray et al, 1997).…”

Impact of nutrition on canine behaviour: current status and possible mechanisms

“…Gastric emptying rate is inversely related to body weight in dogs of different sizes 185 . Moreover, large-breed dogs have a longer large-intestinal transit time and increased apparent total dietary fibre digestibility 186 , which may increase the production and the use of VFA but may increase gastrointestinal discomfort as a result of enhanced fermentation activity.…”