Efficacy of an orally administered anti-diarrheal probiotic paste (Pro-Kolin Advanced) in dogs with acute diarrhea: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical study

Nixon, Sophie L.; Rose, Lindsay; Muller, Annika T.

Acute diarrhea represents the most common cause of nonroutine veterinary visits for dogs in the United Kingdom and the United States. [1] [2] [3] [4] Acute diarrhea constitutes a short-term increase in fecal water content and consequently fecal fluidity, volume, and frequency of defecation. 5 Although acute diarrhea tends to be self-limiting, it represents an impaired state of health for the dog, a source of stress and inconvenience for the owner, and a potential zoonotic risk. In a recent study of dogs with acute diarrhea in the United Kingdom, the most common treatments were dietary modification (66% of cases) and antimicrobial treatment (63% of cases). 1 Previous studies have reported that up to 71% of dogs with acute diarrhea are treated with antimicrobials 3 despite emerging evidence that antimicrobial treatment is not effective in dogs with hemorrhagic or uncomplicated acute diarrhea. 6, 7 Consequently, acute diarrhea represents a considerable portion of antimicrobial usage in veterinary practice.