2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Surplus fecal samples from 17 dogs (9 dogs were receiving enzyme supplementation) enrolled in an unrelated clinical trial involving dogs with EPI were utilized. To be included into the study, the dogs had to be at least 1 year of age, have clinical signs of EPI (i.e., polyphagia, weight loss, steatorrhea, and/or loose, voluminous, and/or malodorous stools), have a serum cTLI concentration ≤2.5 lg/L, and be free from any clinically apparent disease other than EPI. Twelve healthy dogs were enrolled as healthy controls. Three naturally voided fecal samples were collected by the owners at home and stored frozen until shipment. Upon receipt, samples were pooled, aliquoted, and stored at À80°C until shipment to the Animal Sciences Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois. Fecal samples were analyzed for DM, OM, ash, CP, and AHF. Fecal composition parameters were compared between the three groups; healthy control dogs, dogs with EPI on enzyme supplementation (EPI-S), and dogs with EPI without enzyme supplementation (EPI-NS) using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Where significant differences were identified, post-hoc testing was performed using a Dunn's multiple comparison test. Significance was set at P < 0.05.