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Meineri G, Cocolin L, Morelli G, Schievano C, Atuahene D, Ferrocino I. Effect of an Enteroprotective Complementary Feed on Faecal Markers of Inflammation and Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Weaning Puppies. Vet Sci 2023; 10:434. [PMID: 37505839 PMCID: PMC10385893 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Weaning entails numerous modifications of the intestinal structure and microbiota composition, making puppies at high risk of sickness during this delicate life stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a four-week administration of a supplement composed of ultramicronised Palmitoylethanolamide, bovine colostrum and Bacillus subtilis (Normalia® Extra, Innovet Italia Srl, Saccolongo, Italy) on markers of gut health and microbiome of weaning puppies. Twenty-nine four-week-old Golden Retriever puppies were randomly assigned to control (CG, n = 13) and treated (TG, n = 16) groups. During the whole experimental time, there were no differences between the groups with regard to average daily gain and faecal score. In TG, faecal calprotectin and zonulin values were statistically significantly decreased compared to CG, especially at week 8 (zonulin: 42.8 ± 1.54 ng/mL and 55.3 ± 42.8 ng/mL, and calprotectin: 2.91 ± 0.38 µg/g and 5.71 ± 0.43 µg/g, in TG and CG, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Bacteria belonging to phylum Campylobacterota decreased (p = 0.04), while those referring to genera Coprococcus and Pseudomonas increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). The supplementation of the tested complementary feed can promote the intestinal health of puppies and therefore facilitate weaning by lowering gut inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Meineri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Luca Cocolin
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Giada Morelli
- CeDIS (Science Information and Documentation Center), Innovet Italia Srl, Via Leonardo Da Vinci 3, 35030 Saccolongo, Italy
| | - Carlo Schievano
- Innovative Statistical Research Srl, Prato della Valle 24, 35123 Padova, Italy
| | - David Atuahene
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ilario Ferrocino
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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Cavett CL, Tonero M, Marks SL, Winston JA, Gilor C, Rudinsky AJ. Consistency of faecal scoring using two canine faecal scoring systems. J Small Anim Pract 2021; 62:167-173. [PMID: 33491796 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the agreement of canine faecal scoring between individuals with different levels of experience using two available faecal scoring systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS Naturally-voided, undisturbed bowel movements from 126 dogs were evaluated by veterinarians (n = 3) and members of the lay public (n = 126) within 15 minutes of defecation. Each participant was provided a copy of the Purina and Waltham faecal scoring charts in order to characterise the faeces. Agreement between veterinarians and lay people was assessed with kappa statistics, Bland-Altman analysis and visualised with Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS Variable levels of consistency were observed in assessing faecal form among individuals with varying degrees of experience. Fair to substantial agreement existed between individual veterinarians scoring the same bowel movement (kappa statistic ranging from 0.40 to 0.77 on the Purina Scale and 0.54 to 0.61 on the Waltham Scale), while the agreement scores between the veterinarian and the lay public was fair (kappa statistic of 0.38 on the Purina Scale and 0.34 on the Waltham Scale). Disagreement in faecal scores occurred more frequently with lay people versus veterinarians. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The consistency of faecal scoring improved based on the level of experience with the highest agreement consistently noted between veterinarians. In all comparisons, there was inconsistency in faecal scoring which might have implications for veterinarians managing diarrhoeic canine patients. Further studies are needed to better investigate how faecal scoring can be optimised for use in clinical and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Cavett
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine (Cavett, Tonero), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, 61820, USA
| | - M Tonero
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine (Cavett, Tonero), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, 61820, USA
| | - S L Marks
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology (Marks), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - J A Winston
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Winston, Rudinsky), College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA.,Comparative Hepatobiliary and Intestinal Research Program (CHIRP) (Winston, Rudinsky), College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - C Gilor
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Gilor), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32608, USA
| | - A J Rudinsky
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Winston, Rudinsky), College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA.,Comparative Hepatobiliary and Intestinal Research Program (CHIRP) (Winston, Rudinsky), College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
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Heilmann RM, Grellet A, Grützner N, Cranford SM, Suchodolski JS, Chastant-Maillard S, Steiner JM. Effect of selected gastrointestinal parasites and viral agents on fecal S100A12 concentrations in puppies as a potential comparative model. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:252. [PMID: 29665827 PMCID: PMC5905106 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2841-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous data suggest that fecal S100A12 has clinical utility as a biomarker of chronic gastrointestinal inflammation (idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease) in both people and dogs, but the effect of gastrointestinal pathogens on fecal S100A12 concentrations is largely unknown. The role of S100A12 in parasite and viral infections is also difficult to study in traditional animal models due to the lack of S100A12 expression in rodents. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate fecal S100A12 concentrations in a cohort of puppies with intestinal parasites (Cystoisospora spp., Toxocara canis, Giardia sp.) and viral agents that are frequently encountered and known to cause gastrointestinal signs in dogs (coronavirus, parvovirus) as a comparative model. METHODS Spot fecal samples were collected from 307 puppies [median age (range): 7 (4-13) weeks; 29 different breeds] in French breeding kennels, and fecal scores (semiquantitative system; scores 1-13) were assigned. Fecal samples were tested for Cystoisospora spp. (C. canis and C. ohioensis), Toxocara canis, Giardia sp., as well as canine coronavirus (CCV) and parvovirus (CPV). S100A12 concentrations were measured in all fecal samples using an in-house radioimmunoassay. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric 2-group or multiple-group comparisons, non-parametric correlation analysis, association testing between nominal variables, and construction of a multivariate mixed model. RESULTS Fecal S100A12 concentrations ranged from < 24-14,363 ng/g. Univariate analysis only showed increased fecal S100A12 concentrations in dogs shedding Cystoisospora spp. (P = 0.0384) and in dogs infected with parvovirus (P = 0.0277), whereas dogs infected with coronavirus had decreased fecal S100A12 concentrations (P = 0.0345). However, shedding of any single enteropathogen did not affect fecal S100A12 concentrations in multivariate analysis (all P > 0.05) in this study. Only fecal score and breed size had an effect on fecal S100A12 concentrations in multivariate analysis (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS An infection with any single enteropathogen tested in this study is unlikely to alter fecal S100A12 concentrations, and these preliminary data are important for further studies evaluating fecal S100A12 concentrations in dogs or when using fecal S100A12 concentrations as a biomarker in patients with chronic idiopathic gastrointestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy M Heilmann
- Small Animal Clinic, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 23, DE-04103, Leipzig, Germany. .,Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 465 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, TX, 77843-4474, USA.
| | - Aurélien Grellet
- NeoCare, IHAP, University of Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 03, France
| | - Niels Grützner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 465 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, TX, 77843-4474, USA.,Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser St 11, DE-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Shannon M Cranford
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 465 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, TX, 77843-4474, USA
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 465 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, TX, 77843-4474, USA
| | - Sylvie Chastant-Maillard
- NeoCare, IHAP, University of Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 03, France
| | - Jörg M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 465 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, TX, 77843-4474, USA
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Grellet A, Heilmann RM, Polack B, Feugier A, Boucraut-Baralon C, Grandjean D, Grützner N, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM, Chastant-Maillard S. Influence of Breed Size, Age, Fecal Quality, and Enteropathogen Shedding on Fecal Calprotectin and Immunoglobulin A Concentrations in Puppies During the Weaning Period. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:1056-64. [PMID: 27279352 PMCID: PMC5089601 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fecal calprotectin and immunoglobulin A (IgA) are markers of intestinal inflammation and immunity in adult dogs. Hypothesis Fecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations in puppies are not influenced by fecal moisture in puppies but by enteropathogen shedding. Animals Three hundred and twenty‐four puppies. Methods Fecal consistency was assessed by gross examination. Fecal moisture was evaluated before and after lyophilization. Canine parvovirus and coronavirus were detected in feces by qPCR and qRT‐PCR respectively. Giardia intestinalis antigen was quantified by ELISA. The standard McMaster flotation technique was used to detect eggs and oocysts in feces. Fecal calprotectin and IgA concentrations were quantified by in‐house radioimmunoassays. Results For each marker (IgA and calprotectin), a strong positive correlation was observed between concentration in fresh feces and concentration in fecal dry matter. 75.6% of the puppies were found to be infected by at ≥1 of the enteropathogens evaluated. Fecal calprotectin concentration was significantly influenced by age (P = .001), with higher concentrations in younger puppies, but not by viral (P = .863) or parasitic infection (P = .791). Fecal IgA concentration was significantly influenced by enteropathogen shedding (P = .01), with a lower fecal IgA concentration in puppies shedding at ≥1 enteropathogen compared to puppies without any enteropathogen shedding, but not by age. Conclusions Fecal calprotectin and IgA are of no diagnostic value to detect presence of enteropathogens in clinically healthy puppies or puppies with abnormal feces, but could help to better understand the maturation of digestive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R M Heilmann
- Small Animal Clinic, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - B Polack
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | | | | | - D Grandjean
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - N Grützner
- Clinic for Swine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - J S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - J M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - S Chastant-Maillard
- NeoCare, IHAP, IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, Toulouse Cedex 03, France
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Burton EN, O'Connor E, Ericsson AC, Franklin CL. Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transfer as Treatment for Postweaning Diarrhea in Research-Colony Puppies. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2016; 55:582-587. [PMID: 27657714 PMCID: PMC5029830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Frequently just prior to or at weaning (approximate age, 6 to 8 wk), puppies in research settings often develop diarrheal disease, which may be due, in part, to an immature and unstable intestinal microbiota that is permissive to opportunistic pathogens. The overall objective of this study was to assess whether fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) increased the transmission of a stable maternal microbiota to pups and decreased the incidence of postweaning diarrhea. Puppies were designated by litter as treated (FMT) or sham-treated. The FMT group received fecal inoculum orally for 5 consecutive days during weaning (at 6 to 8 wk of age). Diarrhea was evaluated according to a published scoring system for 11 d during the weaning period. Fresh feces were collected from dams and puppies at 3 d before weaning and 3, 10, and 24 d after weaning for analysis of the fecal microbiota by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The composition of fecal inoculum refrigerated at 3 to 5 °C was stable for at least 5 d. No diarrhea was reported in either group during the study period, making comparison of treated and control groups problematic. However, 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed microbial variability across time in both groups. Therefore, although the fecal microbiota of neither group of puppies mirrored the dam at any of the designated time points, the data provided fundamental and novel information regarding the dynamic maturation process of the fecal microbiota of puppies after weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin N Burton
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Erin O'Connor
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Aaron C Ericsson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA; University of Missouri Metagenomics Center (MUMC), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Craig L Franklin
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA; University of Missouri Metagenomics Center (MUMC), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
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Grellet A, Chastant-Maillard S, Robin C, Feugier A, Boogaerts C, Boucraut-Baralon C, Grandjean D, Polack B. Risk factors of weaning diarrhea in puppies housed in breeding kennels. Prev Vet Med 2014; 117:260-5. [PMID: 25175676 PMCID: PMC7114196 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Diarrhea represents one of the most frequent disorders in dogs. In puppies, degradation of feces quality is associated with a reduced daily weight gain and an increased risk of death. Prevention of diarrhea in puppies requires a global approach encompassing enteropathogens, environment and management practices especially when housed in groups. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of enteropathogens in puppies in breeding kennels and to identify risk factors of diarrhea. Two hundred and sixty six puppies (between 5 and 14 weeks of age) from 29 French breeding kennels were included. For each kennel, data about environment, management of the kennel and puppies’ characteristics (age, sex and breed) were collected. For each puppy, fecal consistency and fecal excretion of enteropathogens (viruses and parasites) was evaluated. At least one enteropathogen was identified in 77.1% of puppies and 24.8% of puppies presented abnormal feces. The main risk factor of weaning diarrhea was fecal excretion of canine parvovirus type 2 (odds ratio = 5; confidence interval 95%: 1.7–14.7). A targeted sanitary and medical prophylaxis against canine parvovirus type 2 should be implemented to decrease risk of weaning diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Grellet
- Royal Canin Research Center (Grellet, Feugier), 650 avenue de la Petite Camargue, 30470 Aimargues, France.
| | - Sylvie Chastant-Maillard
- Unité Toulousaine d'Elevage et Reproduction (UTER) (Chastant-Maillard), UMR INRA/ENVT 1225, IHAP Interactions Hôte-Pathogènes INP, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 03, France
| | - Coralie Robin
- Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (Robin, Boogaerts, Grandjean, Polack), 7 avenue du général de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Alexandre Feugier
- Royal Canin Research Center (Grellet, Feugier), 650 avenue de la Petite Camargue, 30470 Aimargues, France
| | - Cassandre Boogaerts
- Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (Robin, Boogaerts, Grandjean, Polack), 7 avenue du général de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | | | - Dominique Grandjean
- Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (Robin, Boogaerts, Grandjean, Polack), 7 avenue du général de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Bruno Polack
- Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (Robin, Boogaerts, Grandjean, Polack), 7 avenue du général de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
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Fontaine E. Food intake and nutrition during pregnancy, lactation and weaning in the dam and offspring. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 6:326-30. [PMID: 23279530 PMCID: PMC7169170 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian species, the connection between reproduction and nutrition is undeniable and illustrated by numerous publications: its role concerning regulation of hormonal secretions, fertility, pregnancy outcome, lactation and neonatal development indeed retains the attention of the scientific community. The interest on the influence of nutrition in dog and cat reproductive physiology is growing. Awareness on the key aspects of feeding during critical periods like pregnancy, lactation and weaning is essential to optimize the reproductive performances in these species.
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Prevalence, risk factors of infection and molecular characterization of trichomonads in puppies from French breeding kennels. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:418-26. [PMID: 23993636 PMCID: PMC7116904 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The trichomonad species Tritrichomonas fetus and Pentatrichomonas hominis were recently identified in the feces of dogs with diarrhea. However the prevalence and pathogenicity of these parasites in the canine population still remained poorly resolved. Therefore the aim of the present study was (1) to determine the prevalence of trichomonads infecting puppies living in French breeding kennels, (2) to confirm the predominance of P. hominis in dogs, (3) to investigate the genetic diversity of P. hominis isolates identified in the French canine population and (4) to evaluate the risk factors for infection by P. hominis and the influence of the parasite on feces consistency. A total of 215 both diarrheic and non-diarrheic puppies from 25 French breeding kennels were included in this epidemiological survey. Fecal samples from each puppy were examined for 6 gastrointestinal pathogens: parvovirus type 2 (CPV2), coronavirus, Toxocara canis, Cystoisospora ohioensis-complex, Cystoisospora canis, and Giardia intestinalis. A part of each collected stool was also tested for the presence of motile trichomonads by microscopy after culturing. The prevalence of trichomonad infection was 15.8% (34/215) among puppies and 20% (5/25) among breeding kennels. DNA from 26 of the 34 positive samples was successfully amplified using a trichomonad-specific primer pair. Analysis of the sequences of PCR products indicated that P. hominis was the only trichomonad infecting the canine population. All the puppies infected with P. hominis belonged to large breed dogs. Moreover, puppies from large breeding kennels, excreting a high level of G. intestinalis and/or excreting a high level of C. canis oocysts showed a higher probability of being positive for P. hominis infection. Univariate analysis also revealed an increased risk for P. hominis infection in puppies with abnormal feces. However, in a multivariate analysis, CPV2 was the only gastrointestinal pathogen associated with abnormal feces. Since enteropathogens were commonly found in dogs infected by P. hominis, the pathogenic potential of this trichomonad species remained uncertain and has to be further evaluated by experimental infection studies.
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