2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

We conclude that H&E staining not only fails to detect degranulated eosinophils effectively but grossly underestimates eosinophil counts in the duodenal mucosa, while EPX IHC detects both intact and degranulated eosinophils. Results of the present study suggest that EPX IHC may serve as a potential diagnostic method for identifying IBD, monitoring disease activity, and evaluating the success of treatment in dogs. It may further constitute a first step toward understanding the role of eosinophil degranulation in the pathogenesis of IBD in dogs. Proton pump inhibitor administration in humans is associated with an increased risk of enteric, particularly Clostridium difficile, infections. Omeprazole also alters the canine microbiome; however, no studies have explored its effect on the feline fecal microbiome and metabolome. We hypothesized that prolonged oral omeprazole administration would alter the fecal microbiome and metabolome in cats.