Animal Health Solution - a Henry Schein Animal Health magazine for veterinary professionals
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20 Covetrus | 855.724.3461 | northamerica.covetrus.com The Role of Probiotics in Animal Health Dana Hogg, DVM, cVMA The gastrointestinal microbiome is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. Established at birth and shaped by factors like diet and environment, it comprises more bacterial microbes than cells in the host body. 1,2 The microbial population, including such species as Bacterioidetes and Firmicutes, varies greatly within the gastrointestinal tracts of dogs and cats and plays pivotal roles in immune regulation, nutrient absorption, and metabolism. 2 A balanced microbiome is essential for an animal's overall health, influencing everything from immune system function to nutrient absorption. The microbiome is particularly crucial in the formation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), responsible for the anti- or pro- inflammatory response in the intestines. It also produces essential metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), vital for gut health. 2 Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the microbiome, can lead to various diseases in both animals and humans, including enteropathies and inflammation. 2 The role of probiotics One way to support the microbiome is through supplementation with probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed, have beneficial effects for the host. They have been shown to enhance overall health through various proposed mechanisms such as strengthening of the intestinal barrier wall, immunomodulation via cross talk with the host immune cells, and production of SCFAs. 2 A common presenting complaint in veterinary medicine is diarrhea. While there are numerous causes for this clinical sign, there is a high likelihood that the gastrointestinal tract is also impacted. Acute cases of diarrhea may be treated with antibiotics. While this can result in resolution of the clinical signs of diarrhea, it does raise the question of how this may impact the microbiome. One study examined the effect of metronidazole, an antibiotic commonly used to treat diarrhea in dogs. It determined that while the diarrhea did resolve under this treatment, significant changes occurred to the microbiome that did not resolve within four weeks of antibiotic cessation. 3 Could probiotics be of benefit in uncomplicated cases of acute diarrhea? Another study examined dogs that were experiencing acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (ADHS). There were two groups, and while both were treated symptomatically, only one group was administered a high potency probiotic. The study revealed that the microbiome of the group receiving the probiotic normalized faster than that of the group receiving symptomatic treatment alone. 4 In another study that evaluated the effects of probiotic administration on dogs affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), dogs were administered either the standard treatment for IBD or the standard treatment with the addition of a probiotic. While both groups improved clinically, there is evidence that the probiotic supplementation may have helped enhance mucosal homeostasis. 5 Although we think patients with gastrointestinal disease benefit the most from probiotic supplementation, there are also systemic diseases where probiotic supplementation has proven beneficial. In veterinary medicine, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly encountered in our dog and cat patients. When kidney function is impaired, the kidney's ability to filter out excess waste declines. This decline can lead to an accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, which can then cause alteration to the microbiome. 6 Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) measures how well the kidneys function. In a two-month study examining dogs in various stages of CKD, both groups were fed a renal diet, while only one was administered a probiotic. Any additional conditions secondary to the CKD were managed appropriately. The study determined that the group administered the probiotic had a significantly higher GFR than the control group. 7 The field of microbiome research is growing, with studies increasingly supporting the use of probiotics in veterinary medicine for overall health improvement and disease management. Future research will undoubtedly yield further insights into their clinical efficacy for commonly encountered diseases in veterinary medicine. Sponsored by ExeGi Pharma About the author Dr. Dana Hogg graduated in 2015 from North Carolina State University. She grew up in Wilson, North Carolina. Growing up with several animals, Dr. Hogg was drawn to the field of veterinary medicine at a young age. She completed her undergraduate degree at NCSU in 2009 and her master's degree in 2011. 1. Bull, M., et al. Part 1: The human gut microbiome in health and disease. Integrative Medicine, 2014; 13(6), 17–22. 2. Barko, P., et al. November 24. The gastrointestinal microbiome: A review. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2017; 32(1), 9–25. 3. Pilla, R., et al. Effects of metronidazole on the fecal microbiome. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2000; 34(5), 1853–1866. 4. Ziese, A. L., et al. Effect of probiotic treatment on the clinical course, intestinal microbiome, and toxigenic Clostridium perfringens in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea. 2018; PLOS ONE, 13(9), e0204691. 5. White, R., et al. Randomized, controlled trial evaluating the effect of multi-strain probiotic on the mucosal microbiota in canine idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. Gut Microbes, 2017; 8(5), 451–466. 6. Hobby, G. P., et al. Chronic kidney disease and the gut microbiome. American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology, 2019; 316(6), F1211–F1217. 7. Lippa, I., et al. Effects of probiotic VSL#3 on glomerular filtration rate in dogs affected by chronic kidney disease. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 2017; 58(12), 1301–1305.