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Preliminary Measurement of Faecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Dogs With Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Mariana Gonçalves1,2, Beatriz Fernandes1,2, Susana Paula Alves1,2
1Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon - Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal.
Veterinary Dermatology
|January 13, 2026
Summary
Dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) have lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This pilot study found significantly reduced acetic, propionic, and butyric acids in canine AD patients compared to healthy dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Microbiome Research
- Gut Health
Background:
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are crucial gut microbiota metabolites with anti-inflammatory effects.
- Reduced SCFA levels are linked to atopic dermatitis (AD) in humans and can predict disease onset.
- Limited research exists on SCFA concentrations in canine atopic dermatitis (cAD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare fecal SCFA concentrations in dogs diagnosed with cAD versus healthy controls.
- To investigate potential differences in SCFA profiles between cAD-affected and healthy canine populations.
Main Methods:
- Faecal samples were collected from 25 client-owned dogs with cAD and 27 healthy control dogs.
- Samples were stored frozen at -80°C prior to analysis.
- Gas chromatography was employed to determine concentrations of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids.
Main Results:
- Dogs with cAD exhibited significantly lower concentrations of acetic acid (p < 0.001).
- Propionic acid levels were also significantly reduced in dogs with cAD (p = 0.0271).
- Butyric acid concentrations were markedly lower in the cAD group compared to controls (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of altered fecal SCFA levels in dogs with cAD.
- Findings suggest a potential association between SCFA dysbiosis and canine atopic dermatitis.
- Further large-scale research is warranted to confirm these results and explore therapeutic/biomarker potential.
