AKCCHF Grant 1609 Abstract

01609:  Probiotic VSL# 3 Reduces Enteritis in Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel
Disease
 
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Albert E. Jergens, DVM, PhD
Institution:  Iowa State University
 
Total Grant Amount:  $97,416.00
Grant Period:  1/1/2012 - 12/31/2013
 
Project Abstract:
 
Idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common cause of chronic gastrointestinal disease in
dogs. Accumulating evidence in human IBD and animal models suggests that imbalances in
composition of the intestinal microbiota contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal
inflammation. Recent studies have also shown that dogs with IBD have distinctly different duodenal
microbial communities compared to healthy dogs. Current treatments for IBD include the
administration of nonspecific anti-inflammatory drugs which may confer serious side effects and do
not address the underlying basis for disease, namely, altered microbial composition. Use of probiotics
(viable, non-pathogenic bacteria that exert health benefits beyond basic nutrition) offers an attractive,
physiologic, and non-toxic alternative to shift the balance to protective species and treat IBD. The aim
of the proposed study is to investigate the clinical, microbiologic, and anti-inflammatory effects of
probiotic VSL#3 in the treatment of canine IBD. We hypothesis that VSL#3 used as an adjunct to
standard therapy (i.e., elimination diet and prednisone) will induce a beneficial alteration of enteric
bacteria leading to induction and maintenance of remission in dogs with IBD. A randomized,
controlled clinical trial of 8 weeks duration will assess the efficacy of standard therapy + probiotic
versus standard therapy alone. There is a need for additional data to be generated to provide proof of
efficacy in probiotic therapy before these agents can be applied to widespread clinical use. These
studies will also provide highly relevant insight into the anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics for
treatment of human and canine IBD.