2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In conclusion, the fecal bile acids profile is altered in healthy dogs after cholestyramine administration. Further studies are needed to understand the potential clinical utility of cholestyramine as a therapeutic option in canine patients with gastrointestinal disease. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a disease characterized by insufficient synthesis and secretion of pancreatic enzymes by the exocrine pancreas, resulting in malassimilation of macronutrients. For example, insufficient pancreatic lipase prevents normal digestion of dietary fat. Consequently, EPI would be expected to be associated with excessive fat (e.g., fatty acids) remaining in the feces. Treatment of EPI includes oral supplementation of pancreatic digestive enzymes and is often effective at decreasing severity of clinical signs, but it is unclear if assimilation normalizes concomitantly. This study evaluated fecal fatty acid (FA) concentrations in dogs with EPI undergoing enzyme supplementation. The hypothesis of this study was that fecal fatty acid concentrations would be increased in dogs with EPI compared to those of healthy dogs, even when being treated with enzyme supplementation.