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Intestinal permeability testing in dogs with diet-responsive intestinal disease
H C Rutgers1, R M Batt, E J Hall
1Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|July 1, 1995
Summary
A differential sugar absorption test helps diagnose canine intestinal diseases. Normalizing intestinal permeability indicates dietary hypersensitivity, while persistent issues suggest food intolerance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Canine Health
Background:
- Exclusion diets are used to manage canine gastrointestinal disease.
- Objective parameters are needed to differentiate causes of clinical response to exclusion diets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate differential sugar absorption as an objective measure of mucosal response in dogs with bowel disease on exclusion diets.
- To differentiate between dietary hypersensitivity and food intolerance in dogs.
Main Methods:
- Studied 15 dogs with bowel disease responding to exclusion diets.
- Assessed intestinal permeability and function using lactulose/rhamnose and xylose/3-O-methylglucose urinary excretion ratios.
- Administered oral sugar mixtures and analyzed urinary excretion ratios.
Main Results:
- Five dogs (dietary hypersensitivity) showed normalized intestinal permeability after diet, with relapse upon re-challenge.
- Ten dogs (food intolerance) improved clinically but had persistent intestinal permeability abnormalities.
- One dog with dietary hypersensitivity showed increased permeability without clinical signs upon challenge.
Conclusions:
- Differential sugar absorption tests can help determine the cause of exclusion diet response in dogs.
- Normalized intestinal permeability aids in diagnosing dietary hypersensitivity.
- Persistent permeability abnormalities suggest underlying intestinal disease and food intolerance.