Influence of Breed Size, Age, Fecal Quality, and Enteropathogen Shedding on Fecal Calprotectin and Immunoglobulin A Concentrations in Puppies During the Weaning Period

Grellet, A.; Heilmann, R.M.; Polack, B.; Feugier, A.; Boucraut-Baralon, C.; Grandjean, D.; Grützner, N.; Suchodolski, J. S.; Steiner, J.M.; Chastant-Maillard, S.

I n dogs, gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases are the third most frequent problem reported by owners in United States and Australia. 1 In the United Kingdom, a survey based on client questionnaires reported that up to 15% of dogs experienced mild diarrhea over a 2-week period. 2 Another study observed that, among sick animals presented for veterinary consultation, 7% of visits were related to diarrhea. 3 Diarrhea is even more frequent in young dogs <6 months of age than in adult dogs, with 25% of puppies having abnormal feces during the weaning period. 4, 5 Diarrhea during this period is a major problem as it can decrease daily weight gain and increase the risk of death. 6 As in other species, diarrhea is multifactorial, involving factors intrinsic to the dog (eg, breed size and age), nutritional factors (eg, diet change without transition, food type and quality), infectious diseases, and also lifestyle and environmental stressors. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] Major enteropathogens associated with diarrhea in weanling puppies are canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2), 12 the Cystoisospora ohioensis-complex, Cystoisospora canis, 13 and Giardia duodenalis. 14 Co-infections by these enteropathogens are frequently reported in puppies. 4, 5 Several diagnostic tests (such as PCR, antigen testing by ELISA, and fecal examination) must be combined for accurate diagnosis in cases of diarrhea in weanling puppies. However, the use of such routine testing can be difficult and expensive.