2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In cats, antibiotic administration causes sustained dysbiosis. Age-associated changes in the microbiome could affect sensitivity to antibiotic-induced gastrointestinal effects. Metabolomic profiles differed between treatment groups over time, suggesting a potential mechanism for decreased antibiotic-induced gastrointestinal effects in cats administered synbiotics. Canine immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) has a high mortality rate, up to 70%, despite aggressive immunosuppressive therapy and supportive care. Development of immune-mediated disease is likely a multifactorial process leading to a loss of normal immune self-tolerance. Humans affected by autoimmune hemolytic anemia show several cytokine derangements, including a newly defined subset of T cells, Th17 cells secreting IL-17. IL-17 appears to have a critical role in the pathogenesis of AIHA in people, and work in mouse models of the disease indicates IL-17 as a potential treatment target. It was hypothesized that dogs with IMHA would display significant elevations in IL-17 concentrations compared to healthy controls.