Vetnuus | February 2025 43 Approximately 40-60% of cats and dogs with chronic enteropathies will benefit from an elimination or hydrolysed-protein diet2. There is also evidence that in a normal state, 2% of ingested food allergens are systemically absorbed in a form capable of inducing an immune response4. In cases of IBD, there is an increase in gut permeability and expression of co-stimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells (or a combination thereof)2, so utilising a single source novel protein or hydrolysed protein diet is recommended as highly digestible antigen-limited diets will decrease the antigen load in the intestine which may decrease mucosal inflammation3. Interestingly, animal protein-free diets (e.g. soy-based) were shown to increase faecal bacteria richness and diversity in dogs with food-responsive enteropathies3. One must note that some patients will respond to Gastrointestinal diets, not just novel or hydrolysed protein diets. Results to dietary changes are usually seen within 2 weeks (4 at the most) so trialand-error can be done if no improvement is seen on the initial diet. Dietary fat is a nutrient of concern in IBD cases as fat malabsorption or reduced fat digestion may lead to an increase of fat in the colon, which can be associated with dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability3, and in cases of PLE/lymphangiectasis, fat restriction is required. However, a study done by Lecoindre et al in 2005 showed that a high-fat diet (22% DM basis) in dogs with IBD improved faecal consistency, resolved vomiting and improved body condition5. It is clear that IBD is a complex disease, with a poorly characterised pathogenesis, and while diet plays an important role in the treatment of the disease, there is still the opportunity to learn, especially regarding the interplay between diet and the gut microbiome in these cases. As with all cases, one must look at the individual patient in selecting the dietary option that will best suit their needs. v References: 1. Steiner, JM et al. 2008. Small Animal Gastroenterology. Germany: Schlütersche 2. Marks, S (2012) Differentiation of Feline IBD from intestinal lymphoma: does it really matter?, In: proceeding of the London Veterinary Show, London, pp 22-23. 3. Rhimi, S. et al. The Nexus of Diet, Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Dogs. Metabolites 2022, 12, 1176. 4. Day, M (2006) Gut Immunology and Food Allergy, In: Proceedings of the ESVD Workshop on Cutaneous Immunology proceedings, Bristol, pp 10-18. 5. Lecoindre, P., Biourge, V. (2005). Gastrointestinal diseases and dietary fat in dogs. Prat. Med. Chirurg. Anim. Compag. 40: 13-16. (Article in French). 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 21 21 21
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTc5MDU=