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Intestinal permeability and function in dogs with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
H C Rutgers1, R M Batt, F J Proud
1Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in dogs often causes intestinal damage not visible in biopsies. Differential sugar absorption tests reveal permeability changes, which improve with antibiotic treatment, aiding in monitoring therapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is frequently diagnosed in dogs with chronic intestinal disease.
- Histological examination often reveals minimal changes, making it difficult to assess bacterial impact on the intestinal lining.
- Objective assessment of intestinal damage in SIBO requires advanced diagnostic methods beyond standard histology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate intestinal permeability and absorptive function in dogs with SIBO using differential sugar absorption tests.
- To correlate findings from sugar absorption tests with histological examination of duodenal biopsies.
- To assess the impact of antibiotic therapy on intestinal permeability in dogs with SIBO.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-three dogs with chronic intestinal disease and diagnosed SIBO underwent endoscopic duodenal juice culture.
- Differential sugar absorption tests (lactulose/rhamnose and D-xylose/3-O-methylglucose ratios) were performed to assess permeability and absorption.
- Duodenal biopsies were histologically examined, and sugar absorption tests were repeated after antibiotic treatment in a subset of dogs.
Main Results:
- SIBO was diagnosed in 63 dogs, with 71% being anaerobic. Histological abnormalities were present in only 25% of dogs.
- Increased lactulose/rhamnose (permeability) ratio was observed in 52% of dogs, and a reduced D-xylose/3-O-methylglucose (absorption) ratio in 33%.
- Antibiotic treatment led to a significant decrease in the lactulose/rhamnose ratio, indicating improved intestinal permeability.
Conclusions:
- SIBO in dogs is frequently associated with sub-histological intestinal mucosal damage, particularly altered permeability.
- Differential sugar absorption tests provide a valuable, objective method for assessing intestinal damage in SIBO.
- Changes in intestinal permeability following antibiotic therapy can serve as a biomarker for treatment response in canine SIBO.