2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Alpha and beta diversity were altered significantly during treatment, and alterations in the Shannon and dysbiosis indices persisted at days 68-70. Age was significantly associated with the Shannon and dysbiosis indices and relative bacterial abundances. Decreases in Actinobacteria (Adlercreutzia, Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Slackia), Bacteriodetes (Bacteroides, Prevotella), Ruminococcaceae (Faecilobacterium, Ruminococcus), Veillonellaceae (Megamonas, Megasphaera,Phascolarctobacterium) and Erysipelotrichaceae ([Eubacterium]) and increases in Clostridiaceae (Clostridium), Proteobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) occurred, with incomplete normalization by days 68-70. Metabolite profiles differed significantly by time, group and time x group for 106, 5 and 10 metabolites, respectively. Microbiome changes were accompanied by derangements in short-chain fatty acid, bile acid, indole, sphingolipid, and cinnaminic acid profiles, some of which persisted through days 68-70 and differed between groups.