2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Baseline fecal samples were collected from healthy Beagle dogs (n = 12) two weeks before administration of cholestyramine. Additional fecal samples were collected after two weeks of daily cholestyramine administration and again two weeks later after a washout period. All dogs were maintained on the same maintenance diet during the study and were fed 11.4 g/day of cholestyramine powder (8 g active ingredient) suspended in 75 mL of water during the cholestyramine administration period. Fecal concentrations of primary bile acids (i.e., cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid) and secondary bile acids (i.e., lithocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and ursodeoxycholic acid) were evaluated using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Data were assessed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test and differences in bile acid concentrations were compared using the Friedman's test. The Dunn's post-test was used where appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.