2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Fecal samples were collected from healthy dogs (n = 13) and dogs with chronic enteropathy with histologically confirmed inflammation (n = 13). Fecal bile acids were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare concentrations of BAs between groups. Cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid were among the primary bile acids measured, while deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid, and ursodeoxycholic acid were among the secondary bile acids measured. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. No significant differences in fecal concentrations of primary bile acids were found between healthy dogs and dogs with chronic enteropathy. Deoxycholic acid was significantly decreased in dogs with chronic enteropathy ( In conclusion, this study revealed a decrease in fecal secondary bile acids in dogs with chronic enteropathy. Further studies are needed to investigate the interplay between specific bacterial groups and altered bile acid metabolism as well as their relationship with intestinal inflammation in dogs with chronic enteropathy. Diseases of chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are thought to be perpetuated by bacterial dysbiosis and dysregulation of the mucosal immune system in both humans and animals. Gastrointestinal (GI) absorption of metabolites is altered by inflammation, with concurrent changes in microbial metabolism within the GI tract. Cholesterol is the primary sterol in mammals; it is incorporated into cell membranes throughout the body and used as a building block for endogenous hormones, steroids, and bile acids. Some phytosterols have shown anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to decrease disease severity in a murine colitis model. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare fecal sterol profiles of dogs with chronic enteropathy to those of healthy dogs.