Search Results (35)

Mast cell tumours (MCT) are the most common cutaneous neoplasms in dogs, with variable behaviours and patient survival time. Both indolent and aggressive forms have been described, but much remains to be explored regarding prognosis and therapy. Evidence has highlighted the influence of microbiota on multiple health and disease processes, including certain types of cancer in humans. However, knowledge remains scarce regarding microbiota biology and its interactions in both humans and canine cancer patients. This study aimed to characterise the faecal microbiota of dogs with MCT and compare it with that of healthy individuals. Twenty-eight dogs diagnosed with MCT and twenty-eight healthy dogs were enrolled in the study. Faecal samples were collected and analysed by Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Alpha diversity was significantly lower in dogs with cancer, and the species diversity InvSimpson Indexwas reduced (p = 0.019). Principal coordinate analysis showed significant differences in the bacterial profile of the two groups: there was a significant lower abundance of the genera Alloprevotella, Holdemanella, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, and Anaerobiospirillum and, conversely, a significant increase in the genera Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 in diseased dogs. At the phylum level, Bacteroidota was significantly reduced in diseased dogs (25% in controls vs. 19% in MCT dogs). In conclusion, sequencing analysis provided an overview of the bacterial profile and showed statistical differences in the microbial communities of dogs with MCT compared with healthy dogs, suggesting a link between the gut microbiota and MCT in this species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is increasingly recognized as a global health concern due to its association with metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis. While probiotics offer promise in regulating gut microbiota and improving host metabolism, strain-specific effects remain underexplored, particularly for canine-derived probiotics. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a novel probiotic strain, Ligilactobacillus animalis LA-1, and evaluate its anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods: LA-1 was isolated from the feces of a healthy dog and assessed for probiotic potential in vitro, including gastrointestinal tolerance, bile salt hydrolase activity, cholesterol-lowering capacity, and fatty acid absorption. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a standard chow diet or an HFD for 16 weeks, with HFD mice receiving oral LA-1 supplementation (2 × 10⁹ CFU/day). Multi-omics analyses, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification, and untargeted liver metabolomics, were employed to investigate the effects of LA-1 on gut microbiota composition, metabolic pathways, and obesity-related phenotypes. Results: LA-1 supplementation significantly alleviated HFD-induced weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, and adipose tissue hypertrophy, without affecting food intake. It improved serum lipid profiles, reduced liver injury markers, and partially restored gut microbiota composition, decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriching SCFA-producing genera. Total SCFA levels, particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, increased following LA-1 treatment. Liver metabolomics revealed that LA-1 modulated pathways involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, resulting in decreased levels of acetyl-CoA, triglycerides, and bile acids. Conclusions: L. animalis LA-1 exerts anti-obesity effects via gut microbiota modulation, enhanced SCFA production, and hepatic metabolic reprogramming. These findings highlight its potential as a targeted probiotic intervention for obesity and metabolic disorders. Full article

Many dogs suffer from pruritus, which is commonly caused by atopic dermatitis and associated with skin inflammation. The immune system and inflammatory response, and in particular the gut–skin axis, are central to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Managing atopic dermatitis involves complex, iterative treatment plans; early strategies supporting gut–skin health are needed to prevent elevated itching from progressing toward a disease condition requiring drug therapy. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial evaluated the ability of a novel, indole-rich canine immune health postbiotic (CIHP) to reduce itching and promote a healthy gut microbiome in dogs with subclinical, but elevated itching behavior. Thirty dogs were stratified into two groups based on baseline scratching frequency, receiving either CIHP or placebo as a powder topper for 28 days. Canine itching was evaluated through accelerometer-based tracking and the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) score on Days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Skin and coat health was assessed on Days 0, 14, and 28, and the gut microbiome was sequenced from fecal samples on Days 0 and 28. CIHP reduced scratching by 20% relative to the baseline (p = 0.032) and PVAS score by 27% compared to the placebo (p = 0.02). CIHP improved skin and coat quality compared to the placebo at Day 14 (p = 0.01) and increased Shannon diversity by 4.6% (p = 0.043), shifting gut microbiome composition. These findings validate this postbiotic’s ability to reduce itching in dogs with subclinical, but elevated itching behavior, provide evidence of promoting a healthy gut–skin axis, and suggest potential as an early intervention in the context of pruritic conditions, as well as for broader immune-related benefits. Full article

Postbiotics—defined in 2021 by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as preparations of inactivated microorganisms and/or their components that confer health benefits to the host—are a promising tool in veterinary medicine. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated their types, mechanisms of action, and physiological effects in dogs. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 10 October 2024. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed trials in dogs or mechanistic studies on postbiotics; studies in other species or without peer review were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed, and random-effects meta-analyses were performed when appropriate. Of 157 records, 69 met the inclusion criteria, including 13 in vivo studies in dogs. Meta-analyses of selected outcomes showed no statistically significant differences between postbiotic and control groups. Evidence is limited by small sample sizes, strain heterogeneity, and varied study designs. Despite nonsignificant results, existing evidence from other species suggests that postbiotics improve the gut microbiota composition, modulate immune and inflammatory responses, reduce oxidative stress, and aid in the treatment of chronic conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Taken together with their potential role as an alternative to antimicrobial use, these findings highlight the need for further research in canine health to support the use of postbiotics in the treatment of common canine diseases, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with existing therapeutic options. Full article

Aggressive canine behavior poses a significant threat to public health. Understanding aggressive behavior is crucial for canine socialization and human–dog interactions. This study conducted an exploratory analysis of working dogs to investigate changes in gut microbiota and neurotransmitters associated with aggressive behavior. Notably, it represents the first research to systematically differentiate canine aggression into offensive and defensive subtypes for investigation. In this study, 56 working dogs from three regions of China, comprising different breeds (11 Spaniels, 13 German Shepherds, and 32 Belgian Malinois), aged 4.89 ± 1.54 years, and of both sexes (38 males and 18 females), were assessed and grouped for aggressive behavior using a C-BARQ-based questionnaire. Then, 16S rRNA sequencing and ELISA were employed to compare differences in gut microbiota and serotonin concentrations between aggressive (n = 35) and non-aggressive (n = 21) groups, as well as between offensive (n = 26) and defensive (n = 9) aggression subgroups. β-diversity analysis confirmed no significant correlation between aggressive behavior and gut microbiota composition (p > 0.05), suggesting a limited role of gut microbiota in modulating host behavior. Comparative analysis of gut microbiota composition revealed no significant differences in phylum-level abundance among different aggression types (p > 0.05). Notably, the non-aggressive group exhibited significantly higher relative abundances of Escherichia-Shigella, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 compared to the aggressive group (p < 0.05). Random forest analysis identified Lactobacillus as a biomarker for canine aggressive behavior and Turicibacter as a discriminatory factor between offensive and defensive aggression. The results demonstrated a strong correlation between aggression and 5-HT neurotransmission. Serum serotonin levels were significantly lower in both the defensive (39.92 ± 2.58 ng/mL) and offensive (50.07 ± 3.90 ng/mL) aggression groups compared to the non-aggressive group (59.49 ± 2.76 ng/mL), with the lowest levels found in defensively aggressive dogs. The defensive group showed significantly lower serotonin levels than the offensive group (p < 0.001). The results demonstrate that different behavioral phenotypes in aggressive dogs lead to distinct gut microbiome compositions. This suggests that microbiome analysis may facilitate early diagnosis and preventive intervention before aggressive behavior manifests. As such, 5-HT shows potential as a monitoring tool for diagnosing canine aggression, with significant practical applications in canine behavior management. Full article

Dogs are cherished companions, and in today’s world, pets are increasingly regarded as family members. Pet owners are placing growing emphasis on their animals’ health, particularly for dogs. Probiotics, which are living bacteria that benefit the host when given in sufficient quantities, have drawn a lot of interest in the veterinary nutrition community due to their beneficial effects on companion animals, including dogs. This study emphasizes the advantages of adding probiotics to canine diets in order to enhance the health of the gut flora and the technologies used to incorporate probiotics into canine feed. It looks at the best ways to deal with common dog health problems, highlighting probiotics as a helpful substitute for antibiotics, which can have serious adverse effects, encourage bacterial resistance, and disturb the gut’s microbial ecology, which is necessary for digesting. Such disruptions are linked to chronic inflammatory enteropathy and obesity in dogs. This paper also examines biotechnological advancements in probiotic incorporation methods in dog feed, aiming to optimize their health benefits. Probiotic feed supplements may thus represent a promising approach to advancing canine health care, providing a natural adjunct to conventional treatments and preventive measures. Full article

Metabolomics has proven to be an effective tool for elucidating mechanisms and assessing the effectiveness of dietary interventions in canine and feline nutrition. In this context, the present study aimed to perform a metabolomic analysis of the serum of dogs supplemented with increasing levels of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans to generate evidence and gain a deeper understanding of the metabolic responses associated with this supplementation. Eight dogs were evenly assigned to two balanced 4 × 4 Latin squares. Four diets were tested, differing only in beta-glucan content (0.0%, 0.07%, 0.14%, and 0.28%), and the dogs were fed according to their individual maintenance energy requirements. Each experimental period lasted 35 days. On day 35, 5 mL of blood was collected via jugular venipuncture to obtain serum for metabolomic analysis. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis identified 12 key serum metabolites. Hierarchical heat map analysis revealed differences in metabolite intensity between treatments (p < 0.05). Additionally, the most relevant metabolic pathways were phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. This study demonstrated that increasing levels of purified beta-1,3/1,6-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae modulated key metabolic pathways in dogs, particularly those related to amino acid, lipid and energy metabolisms, and gut microbiota. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which beta-glucans influence canine health. Full article

Barley sprouts, the germinated and grown leaves of barley, contain various bioactive compounds, including policosanol, saponarin, and lutonarin. The ingestion of barley sprouts may benefit canine weight management, potentially owing to the anti-obesity properties of bioactive compounds. However, there is limited evidence on the efficacy and safety of barley sprout supplementation in dogs. Therefore, through this study, we assessed the impact of barley-sprout-supplemented diet on body weight and health markers in healthy adult beagles over a 16-week period. The results showed a 7.2% reduction in body weight in dogs fed the barley sprout diet. Hematology, complete blood cell count, and blood biochemistry analyses confirmed that all parameters remained within normal ranges, with no significant differences observed between the control and experimental groups. Although the levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, and insulin remained stable, leptin, a hormone associated with body fat, significantly decreased. Further analysis of alterations in the gut microbiota following barley sprout supplementation revealed no significant differences between the control and experimental groups with respect to alpha and beta diversity analysis. The shift at the phylum level, with a decrease in Firmicutes and an increase in Bacteroidetes, resulted in a reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Additionally, the abundance of the Ruminococcus gnavus group was high in the experimental group. Functional predictions indicated an enhancement in carbohydrate, amino acid, and cofactor and vitamin metabolism. These findings suggest that a barley sprouts diet is safe for dogs and may offer benefits for weight management through favorable alterations in body weight, hormone levels, and gut microbiota composition. Full article

Tailoring diet to support a healthy gut microbiome is key for animal well-being. The gut metabolome, including all small molecules in the gut, is central to diet–microbiome–health interactions. While comprehension of the gut metabolome in companion animal nutrition is emerging, a substantial number of studies have been undertaken to elucidate the metabolomic shifts and identify specific marker metabolites influenced by diverse dietary interventions. By employing various metabolomic approaches, researchers have extensively documented the effects of different diet types, nutrient compositions, and dietary supplements on the gut metabolome in dogs and cats. Despite these advancements, there remains several notable limitations, including a lack of integrated microbiome analysis, incomplete understanding of specific marker metabolites, and an over-reliance on extrapolating findings from human studies. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current understanding of the canine and feline gut metabolome, while exploring future possibilities and challenges for the field. Full article

Cranberries are a distinctive source of bioactive compounds, containing polyphenols such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids. Cranberries are often associated with potential health benefits for the urinary tract and digestive system due to their high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Cranberry induces the production of antioxidant enzymes, suppresses lipid peroxidation, reduces inflammatory cytokines, modulates immune cells, maintains gut microbiota, and inhibits bacterial adhesion and growth. Cranberry polyphenols also have metal-binding motifs that bind with metals, particularly zinc and iron. The combination of cranberry polyphenols and metals displays increased biological activity. In this review, an attempt is made to describe the physiological properties and health benefits of cranberries for livestock, including poultry, swine, canine, feline, and ruminant animals, as either feed/food or as supplements. Cranberry, and/or its components, has the capability to potentially control infectious diseases like diarrhea, urinary tract infection, gut integrity, and intestinal probiotic health. Moreover, cranberries show efficacy in suppressing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella species, Campylobacter species, Streptococcus species, and Enterococcus species bacteria. Thus, cranberry could be considered as a potential natural feed additive or food supplement for animal health improvement. Full article

The gut and the gut microbiome communicate with the nervous system through the gut–brain axis via neuroimmune and neuroendocrine mechanisms. Despite existing research, studies exploring this link in aging dogs are limited. This study aims to examine multiple blood and fecal biomarkers of intestinal health, along with various behavioral indicators based on saliva, blood, observations, and activity, in different age populations (junior: <2 y.o.; adult: 2–7 y.o.; senior: >7 y.o.) of thirty-seven Beagle dogs. In our study, Bacteroides were significantly higher in senior dogs. The relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and Blautia showed age-related trends, higher in senior and junior dogs, respectively. Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentration, especially acetate, increased with age, while propionate was higher in junior dogs. For the behavioral indicators we considered, blood thyroxine concentration, playing, exploring, and total activity were higher in junior dogs. The differences observed between the biomarkers of gut health and behavior, particularly those significant for the age correlations, emphasize the importance of considering age-related factors when studying the gut microbiome and behavior. However, further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms and specific pathways involved in the relationship between the studied biomarkers and age. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mandarin orange peel (MOP) is recognized for its traditional medicinal properties due to its high flavonoid content. This study aimed to analyze MOP harvested in Japan for specific bioactive compounds and to explore its health applications in dogs, including effects on gut microbiota and cognitive symptoms. Methods: Flavonoid content (particularly hesperidin and nobiletin) of MOP was measured. High-flavonoid MOP was then incorporated into gelatin cubes. In the time–course blood concentration study, experimental beagle dogs received a single oral dose (4 g). For intestinal microbiota analysis and blood biochemical tests, beagle dogs were administered 1 g twice daily. For the Demonstration Test, older dogs (a 14-year-old female Shiba Inu, a 14-year-old female Miniature Dachshund, and a 19-year-old male Miniature Dachshund) were administered 1 g twice daily. Analysis included microbiota profiling via 16S rDNA sequencing and observational assessment of cognitive indicators in a pilot study involving senior dogs with Alzheimer’s disease. Results: The MOP powder contained 9.3% hesperidin in early-ripening varieties (October harvest) and 6.9% in ripe varieties (December harvest). Nobiletin content was 41 mg/100 g (0.041%) and 35 mg/100 g (0.035%) for the early and late harvests, respectively. Administration of MOP-enriched gelatin cubes reduced Fusobacteriaceae and increased Eggerthellaceae. Cognitive symptoms like howling and counterclockwise turning showed improvement in senior dogs (n = 3). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary support for the potential health benefits of MOP in canine dietary applications, particularly for gut health and cognitive function. Improvement in cognitive symptoms may be due to the anxiolytic effects of mandarin peel. Full article

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in dogs’ health, influencing immune function, digestion, and protection against pathogens. This study evaluates the effects of three canine dietary supplements—Microbiotal (prebiotic), Lactobacillus reuteri (probiotic), and a combination of both—on the gut microbiota composition of a healthy canine donor using an in vitro colonic fermentation model. The SCIME™ platform, adapted to simulate the canine gastrointestinal tract, was used to monitor microbial shifts in the luminal and mucosal environments of the proximal and distal colon over a 2-week treatment period. The microbial communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess changes at various taxonomic levels. Alpha- and beta-diversity indices were calculated, while LEfSe and treeclimbR were employed to identify taxa-driving microbial shifts. Results indicated that all treatments led to significant modulations in key microbial groups, with enrichment of Limosilactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, and Faecalibacterium. These changes suggest improved saccharolytic fermentation and butyrate production, particularly when prebiotics and probiotics were co-administered. This study highlights the promising benefits of combined prebiotic and probiotic supplementation in promoting gut health and microbial diversity, providing a basis for future studies targeting the metabolic activity of the gut microbiota using the same supplements and technology. Full article

Gut dysbiosis and an inflamed bowel are growing concerns in mammals, including dogs. Probiotic supplements have been used to restore the natural microbial community and improve gastrointestinal health. Biofilm formation, antimicrobial activities, and immunological responses of probiotics are crucial to improving gut health. Thus, we tested a commercial probiotic blend (LabMAX-3), a canine kibble additive comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Enterococcus faecium for their ability to inactivate common enteric pathogens; their ability to form biofilms; epithelial cell adhesion; and their anti-inflammatory response in the Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line. Probiotic LabMAX-3 blend or individual isolates showed a strong inhibitory effect against Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter jejuni. LabMAX-3 formed biofilms comparable to Staphylococcus aureus. LabMAX-3 adhesion to the MDCK cell line (with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment) showed comparable adhesion and biofilm formation (p < 0.05) to L. casei ATCC 334 used as a control. LabMAX-3 had no cytotoxic effects on the MDCK cell line during 1 h exposure. The interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) ratio of LabMAX-3, compared to the L. casei control, showed a significant increase (p < 0.05), indicating a more pronounced anti-inflammatory response. The data show that LabMAX-3, a canine kibble supplement, can improve gastrointestinal health. Full article

Companion animals such as dogs and cats play a crucial role in modern families. Their overall health is significantly influenced by their gut health, with many health disorders arising from disturbances in the gut microbiome. Our review highlights the ability of probiotics and nutraceuticals to modify the gut microbiota and enhance gastrointestinal health in canine and feline species. We investigated the effects of probiotics and natural antioxidant molecules on digestion, immunological response, and barrier integrity in gastrointestinal health studies concerning dogs and cats. The analysis indicated that probiotics influence gut microbiota composition in a positive manner, enhance digestion, augment the immune response, and help to maintain barrier integrity. Additionally, natural products with antioxidant molecules showed the potential to improve gut health and protect pets from various illnesses. We concluded by advocating the need for more studies in this direction to fully understand their effects and optimize their use in veterinary medicine. Full article