Gastrointestinal Health of Dogs and Cats

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Companion Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 20459

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Veterinary Clinical Medicine Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Interests: small animal gastroenterology; oncology; internal medicine; clinical pathology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am excited to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue on animal gastroenterology that I have the honor of editing for Animals.

Gastroenterology in the daily lives of companion animals has become a dominant field with new approaches to the various gastroenterological diseases. The research on dysbiosis has allowed for a better understanding of its role in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal inflammation, and in hepatic and pancreatic involvement.

This aspect has become very important in recent years and has made it necessary to review the therapeutic approaches. First of all, there are limitations regarding the use of antibiotics, respecting international guidelines for the control of antibiotic resistance. On the other hand, small animal gastroenterology, in line with human medicine, provides interesting research topics on the relationship between the digestive system and systems that may be directly or indirectly involved in the pathological process and in influencing the general prognosis and therapeutic approach.

This Special Issue of Animals aims to disseminate some of the most significant and recent research regarding gastroenterology in dogs and cats. Authors are invited to submit original research papers and review articles exploring hepatic, pancreatic and gastrointestinal diseases.

Dr. Veronica Marchetti
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cats
  • dogs
  • intestinal disease
  • pancreatic disease
  • hepatic disease
  • dysbiosis
  • microbiota
  • systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 16288 KiB  
Article
Screening of Colistin-Resistant Bacteria in Domestic Pets from France
by Afaf Hamame, Bernard Davoust, Jean-Marc Rolain and Seydina M. Diene
Animals 2022, 12(5), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050633 - 2 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2245
Abstract
Background: Pets are the closest animals to humans with a considerable risk of zoonotic transmission. This study aimed to screen colistin-resistant bacteria from stools of dogs and cats from Marseille, France. Screening of mcr genes in pets has never been reported in France. [...] Read more.
Background: Pets are the closest animals to humans with a considerable risk of zoonotic transmission. This study aimed to screen colistin-resistant bacteria from stools of dogs and cats from Marseille, France. Screening of mcr genes in pets has never been reported in France. Methods: Fecal samples (n = 157) were cultivated on the selective Lucie-Bardet Jean-Marc-Rolain medium (LBJMR). Bacteria were identified using Microflex LS MALDI-TOF. The antibiotic resistance phenotype was investigated for several antibiotics (β-lactams, aminoside, cephalosporine, tetracycline, and sulfonamide). PCR techniques were performed to detect mcr genes. Results: A total of 218 bacteria were identified. For cats, intrinsically colistin-resistant bacteria were significantly higher than mcr-1 gene carriers (n = 4). Dogs had more bacteria with the mcr-1 gene (n = 10). Furthermore, cats had a high prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria (GPB), whereas dogs had GNB equal to GPB. The diversity of identified bacteria was due to the constitution of the pets’ microorganisms. Even though colistin use is monitored in France, pets harbor various colistin-resistant bacteria. Additionally, in this geographical area, bacteria bearing mcr-1 gene from dogs and cats were detected for the first time. Conclusions: The current study opens a new perspective: the spread of colistin resistance is independent of colistin use. What are the most factors related to the emergence of colistin resistance? The surveillance of pets must be considered a priority to avoid the spread of mcr genes. It is important to know the contribution that pets make to the pool of multidrug-resistant mcr-1-containing bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Health of Dogs and Cats)
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17 pages, 1997 KiB  
Article
The Use of Ascophyllum nodosum and Bacillus subtilis C-3102 in the Management of Canine Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy: A Pilot Study
by Marco Isidori, Fabrizio Rueca, Francesca Romana Massacci, Manuela Diaferia, Andrea Giontella, Marco Caldin, Tommaso Furlanello, Ronald J. Corbee, Gabriele Mannucci, Giovanni Pezzotti and Massimo Trabalza-Marinucci
Animals 2021, 11(12), 3417; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123417 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2602
Abstract
The aim was to assess the effects of Ascophyllum nodosum (AN) with/without Bacillus subtilis C-3102 as alternative treatments for Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy (CIE) of dogs. Fourteen CIE patients, which had received the same control (CTR) diet, were enrolled to serially receive three diets: [...] Read more.
The aim was to assess the effects of Ascophyllum nodosum (AN) with/without Bacillus subtilis C-3102 as alternative treatments for Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy (CIE) of dogs. Fourteen CIE patients, which had received the same control (CTR) diet, were enrolled to serially receive three diets: (1) hydrolysed protein (HP) diet; (2) 4.0% AN supplemented HP (HPA) food, (3) HPA diet fortified with 125 billion B. subtilis C-3102 spores/10 kg body weight (HPAB diet). Clinical outcome was assessed by Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI), whereas gut microbiota compositional variations were investigated via 16S rRNA gene analysis, and faecal fermentation end-products by liquid chromatography. Higher abundances of the Ruminococcaceae and Rikenellaceae families were shown in HPA relative to CTR treatment, with Bacillus genus being differentially abundant on HPAB diet. Concentrations of acetate were higher (p < 0.05) in dogs fed HPA compared to CTR diet, and amounts of isovalerate and isobutyrate were greater (p < 0.05) in HPA compared to HP food. A tendency for higher amounts of faecal butyrate was found for the HPAB treatment (p = 0.06). Comprehensively, while displaying potentially positive effects on faecal fermentations, the tested substances failed to improve CIBDAI scores and microbial richness in CIE dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Health of Dogs and Cats)
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19 pages, 7779 KiB  
Article
Chronic Cholecystitis of Dogs: Clinicopathologic Features and Relationship with Liver
by Ikki Mitsui, Shigeaki Ohtsuki and Kazuyuki Uchida
Animals 2021, 11(11), 3324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113324 - 21 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5715
Abstract
(1) Background: Chronic cholecystitis of dogs has not been vigorously investigated histopathologically. In addition, the relationship between gallbladder and liver diseases is not known. (2) Methods: We aimed to provide a hallmark for canine chronic cholecystitis using clinical data, histopathology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Chronic cholecystitis of dogs has not been vigorously investigated histopathologically. In addition, the relationship between gallbladder and liver diseases is not known. (2) Methods: We aimed to provide a hallmark for canine chronic cholecystitis using clinical data, histopathology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and statistical analysis. (3) Results: Our investigation of 219 ultrasonographically abnormal surgically resected canine gallbladders revealed 189 cases (86.3%) of mucosal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration (chronic cholecystitis). Sludge, a gravity-dependent or nondependent fine granular hyperechoic material, was more prevalent (105/219, 47.9%) than mucocele (51/219, 23.2%) in this cohort. Mucosal lymphoid follicles were detected in 68/219 cases (31%), suggesting the influence of long-standing antigenic stimulation. Bacteria were histochemically detected in 41/60 (68.3%) of heavily inflamed gallbladders, 18/129 (14%) of lightly inflamed, and 3/18 (16.7%) of uninflamed gallbladders, suggesting a possible relationship between bacteria and chronic cholecystitis. Simultaneous liver biopsies revealed mild or no inflammation, changes consistent with primary portal vein hypoplasia, and mild hepatocellular degeneration. (4) Conclusions: Based on the results of our statistical analysis, we conclude that canine chronic cholecystitis is a long-standing inflammatory process of unknown (but possibly bacterial) etiology and that liver pathology is unlikely the cause of chronic cholecystitis in dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Health of Dogs and Cats)
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12 pages, 903 KiB  
Article
Immunosuppressant-Responsive Enteropathy and Non-Responsive Enteropathy in Dogs: Prognostic Factors, Short- and Long-Term Follow Up
by Elena Benvenuti, Alessio Pierini, Enrico Bottero, Marco Pietra, Eleonora Gori, Stefano Salvadori and Veronica Marchetti
Animals 2021, 11(9), 2637; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092637 - 8 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2558
Abstract
A multicentre prospective study was performed to assess whether clinical, hematobiochemical, endoscopic and histopathological parameters were associated with mortality, clinical response and relapse of disease in short- and long-term follow-up of a total of 165 dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy, of which 150 [...] Read more.
A multicentre prospective study was performed to assess whether clinical, hematobiochemical, endoscopic and histopathological parameters were associated with mortality, clinical response and relapse of disease in short- and long-term follow-up of a total of 165 dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy, of which 150 had immunosuppressant responsive enteropathy (IRE), and 15 had non-responsive enteropathy (NRE) dogs. Clinical severity (CCECAI) was evaluated from presentation (T0) to 18 months (T18) from diagnosis. T0 body condition score (BCS), selected haematological parameters and endoscopic and histopathological scores were evaluated. Presence/absence of histopathological duodenal lesions was recorded. Responders were evaluated using CCECAI at T1. Relapse was evaluated from T3 to T18. Long-term responders included dogs who responded at T1 and showed no relapse. Dogs were divided into responders/non-responders, survivors/non-survivors and relapsed/non-relapsed. At T1, 15/165 dogs (9%) were considered NRE. Sixteen dogs (11%) were considered relapsed at T3, 8% at T6 and 10% at T12, and none of 96 dogs relapsed at T18. NREs showed significantly lower BCS than IREs. Non-survivors showed a significantly lower serum albumin concentration and BCS than survivors. Non-responders, relapsed or non-survivors had higher presence of lacteal dilatation compared to long-term responders. Dogs with IRE showed a good clinical course with a low relapse rate, with only a few dogs in the NRE group. Reduction of BCS, albumin and lacteal dilatation at diagnosis may be considered negative prognostic factors for response, mortality and long-term disease remission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Health of Dogs and Cats)
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9 pages, 660 KiB  
Article
Detection of Anti-Erythrocyte Antibodies in Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
by Eleonora Gori, Alessio Pierini, Martina Nesci, Elena Benvenuti, Silvia Tasca, George Lubas and Veronica Marchetti
Animals 2021, 11(9), 2580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092580 - 2 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2726
Abstract
Several extra-intestinal manifestations, including immune-mediated cytopenias, are reported in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whereas they are poorly documented in dogs. Hypothesizing that immune-mediated subclinical anemia can occur in canine IBD, the study aim was to evaluate the erythrogram and the presence of [...] Read more.
Several extra-intestinal manifestations, including immune-mediated cytopenias, are reported in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whereas they are poorly documented in dogs. Hypothesizing that immune-mediated subclinical anemia can occur in canine IBD, the study aim was to evaluate the erythrogram and the presence of anti-RBC antibodies in dogs with IBD. IBD was diagnosed according to the following criteria: chronic gastrointestinal signs, ruling out of extra-intestinal diseases, no improvement with diet trial, histological evidence of inflammatory infiltration, and improvement after immunosuppressant therapy. Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index (CCECAI) endoscopic and histopathological scores were assessed for each dog. Twenty-five dogs were enrolled, and each dog had a CBC evaluation prior to endoscopy. The CBC was performed using laser hematology analyzer and blood smears were carefully reviewed for the presence of nucleated RBC, anisocytosis, polychromasia, and Howell–Jolly bodies. IgG and IgM anti-RBC antibodies were evaluated with flow cytometry. A high frequency of positive cases for anti-RBC antibodies in dogs with IBD (17/25 dogs) was ascertained. Approximatively 50% of dogs showed some hematologic features of RBC regeneration in addition to hematologic findings consistent with chronic inflammation. Anti-RBC antibodies and signs of erythroid regeneration may suggest possible subclinical chronic immune-mediated hemolysis that can cause anemia in dogs with IBD, together with the chronic inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Health of Dogs and Cats)
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15 pages, 1396 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Prognostic Factors, including Duodenal P-Glycoprotein Expression, in Canine Chronic Enteropathy
by Marco Pietra, Giorgia Galiazzo, Francesca Bresciani, Maria Morini, Sara Licarini, Maria Elena Turba, Gianmaria Amaducci, Giuliano Bettini, Federico Fracassi and Fabio Ostanello
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082315 - 5 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2979
Abstract
The aim of this retrospective single-center study was to evaluate which factors, including expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a membrane-bound protein involved in multiple drug resistance, could predict the response to treatment in canine immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE). Dogs with IRE or non-responsive enteropathy (NRE) [...] Read more.
The aim of this retrospective single-center study was to evaluate which factors, including expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a membrane-bound protein involved in multiple drug resistance, could predict the response to treatment in canine immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE). Dogs with IRE or non-responsive enteropathy (NRE) that were examined from 2005 to 2014 were included and were divided into two groups (IRE vs. NRE). Signalment, history, and clinical and laboratory findings were collected. P-glycoprotein immunohistochemistry was carried out on duodenal biopsies of both groups stored in our biobank, and immunophenotyping and molecular clonality were performed on the NRE samples. Ninety-two dogs were enrolled, 73 IRE (79.3%) and 19 NRE (20.7%), with a prevalence of pure breed (78.3% vs. 21.7%) and male dogs (p < 0.001). Factors associated with a worse prognosis were previous treatment with steroids (p = 0.033) and lower serum total protein concentration (p = 0.005). Clonality testing on the NRE duodenal biopsies showed 5/16 clonal responses, assuming a latent undiagnosed lymphoma as a possible cause of the NRE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Health of Dogs and Cats)
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