2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

This study demonstrates that feces are a rich sample matrix for biomolecules, representing both the host and microbial metabolite profiles. Several metabolites were identified that may be investigated as future biomarkers and may help elucidate the etiopathogenesis of canine chronic enteropathy. Cobalamin (B 12 ) and folate (B 9 ) are water-soluble vitamins that are essential components of one-carbon metabolism. Both vitamins influence each other in biochemical processes including the homocysteine remethylation cycle and the transsulfuration pathway. It is well known that cobalamin deficiency can alter folate metabolism by decreasing intestinal absorption of folate. Also, increased serum folate concentrations have been observed in dogs with small intestinal dysbiosis. A previous study comparing changes in serum amino acid concentrations between healthy dogs, hypocobalaminemic dogs, and dogs with biochemical evidence of cobalamin deficiency has shown significant differences in serum concentrations of glycine, glutamic acid, methionine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and lysine in dogs with hypocobalaminemia. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in serum amino acid concentrations between healthy normocobalaminemic dogs and hypocobalaminemic dogs with decreased or increased serum folate concentrations.