2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In conclusion, intestinal biopsies from clinically healthy cats commonly show mucosal changes that are considered abnormal when evaluated according to WSAVA guidelines. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant that acts in the gastrointestinal tract by binding bile acids, thus preventing their reabsorption. In human patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cholestyramine is often used to treat individuals with symptoms of diarrhea. Preliminary studies in canine patients with IBD suggest that their fecal bile acid concentrations are altered, typified by an increase in primary bile acids and a decrease in secondary bile acids compared to healthy controls. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cholestyramine on the fecal bile acids profile in healthy dogs.