Whilst we get skin issues across the board in dogs; we can’t deny that certain breeds are more predisposed than others. But if we have a list in our mind of those dogs who we think are more likely to suffer, have we even considered that their coat type may play a role? We’re going to take a look at those double coated breeds specifically, and why they may suffer with skin challenges. The Canine Coat When we are discussing the canine coat, we include both the skin and hair/fur. Both have their own individual functions, and both are crucial to your dog’s ability to thrive. The skin is the largest organ of your dog’s body. It consists of three major layers: The Epidermis – (Epi – upon or above) this is the outer layer of skin, the protective layer. The Dermis – the dermis supports and nourishes the outer layer. It provides strength and elasticity. Here you will find collagen fibres, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. You will also find cells that release histamine and other inflammatory mediators when faced with an allergy or injury. The Subcutis – (sub meaning under or below) this is the innermost layer of the skin, where you will find fat and muscles. Subcutaneous fat provides insulation, padding and storage for reserve energy. Not only does the structure of the skin prevent water and electrolyte loss to help maintain body homeostasis, but it forms a protective barrier which helps protect against infections, parasites, and the elements. The hair sprouting from the follicles in the skin, known as hair or fur, also protects against harsh weathers, temperatures, and ultraviolet light damage. Double coats are generally termed fur and single coats are generally termed hair. Although, most owners, and groomers for that matter, use the phrases interchangeably. Double Coats vs. Single Coats Dogs can have primary and secondary hairs. Primary hairs are single hairs that grow from a follicle. If present, secondary hairs exit from the same follicle and you can have anywhere from 3-15 of them exiting alongside a primary hair from the same follicle. Primary hairs are often referred to as guard hairs or the outer coat and secondary hairs are referred to as the undercoat. Double coated breeds have both primary and secondary hairs, like the German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, Husky and Akita whereas single coated breeds simply have primary hairs, which include breeds like the Poodle or Bichon Frise. In double coated breeds, hair growth and the thickness of the undercoat is largely responsive to the environment. Cold months call for a thick undercoat where air can be trapped right next to the outer layer of the skin. Think of it like a wetsuit. A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. This layer of water is then warmed by your body and water is a great conductor of heat! On the other side of this scale, warm months call for a thinner undercoat that is well-brushed and not impacted. This allows air to circulate, drawing cool air over the skin. A regular issue in double-coated breeds is an impacted undercoat. This is where the secondary hairs become matted. Air is unable to circulate, meaning it gets trapped and warmed up from the heat of the body. The issue is further compounded if you have a damp coat from rainy walks, dips in the pond or after the regular hydrotherapy session and in this scenario, skin health can be compromised. The Canine Skin Not only does the skin provide a barrier to the elements, but its very composition also provides an immunological and microbial barrier because of its bacterial community. This is known as its microbiome. The skin microbiome is made up of a range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They usually function symbiotically; helpful microorganisms keep potentially harmful microorganisms in check. The issue is when there is an imbalance; we know this as dysbiosis. It has been established time and time again, when dogs and humans are suffering with red and itchy skin, there have been alterations in the skin microbiome. Generally, some bacteria have grown in numbers and others have reduced. A healthy skin microbiome is necessary for the correct function of mast cells founds in the dermis and mast cells mediate inflammatory responses like hypersensitivity and allergic reactions. Subsequently, those dogs suffering with atopic dermatitis are then more sensitive to environmental allergens. It is rather easy to see how skin issues can become so complex. Unfortunately, there are a range of things that can affect the composition of the skin microbiome: – Genes – Lifestyle, including nutrition – Environment – Family make up (other pets) – Personal and home hygiene In healthy dogs the most common bacteria are proteobacteria, closely followed by firmicutes, actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and cyanobacteria. Interestingly, healthy dogs have a higher community of beta proteobacteria ralstonia spp. than those dogs suffering with allergies. The type of bacteria also varies depending on the site of the body, for example, there will be different bacteria found between toe digits to that found in the groin area. Findings Here This is because all bacteria have their own needs to survive. They need food, water and the correct environment which includes a specific temperature, to them. Some bacteria will thrive in cooler temperatures, some prefer warmer climates. This is why we need to pay attention to the coat condition of your double coated breed. Your dog will have their own community of bacteria on their skin. Some bacteria will outnumber others. Which bacteria thrive will largely depend on your dog’s lifestyle, including nutrition. If your double coated breed has gotten wet on a rainy walk or loves swimming, they will get a damp coat. You may towel them off and allow them to dry off in front of the fire or radiator. Star fishing in a centrally heated home is quite far removed from the
There can be a number of reasons why your dog may be suffering with their ears. We’ve compiled some of the more common ones. The Link Between Sensitivities and Itchy Ears Itchy ears often go hand in hand with sensitivities – so you may notice digestive issues alongside itchy ears, paws and more. In order to optimise gut health, check out our blog here: 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health For Pets We can often look to bacterial overgrowth in fuelling those itchy ears, and yeast is often the culprit. Gut Guardian What is Yeast? Candida is an opportunistic fungal pathogen. It is a normal part of the gastrointestinal flora and genital tracts. Healthy systems are more than capable of keeping it in check with their beneficial bacteria, but issues arise when there aren’t enough good guys to keep the bad guys in check, this is what we know as dysbiosis and it can occur in the microbiome of the gut, but also the skin and more! Is Your Dog A Yeasty Beast? Factors that can contribute to dysbiosis: Chronic or excessive antibiotic use Stress Environmental toxins; bisphenol, phthalates, heavy metals, pesticides Poor gut integrity Nutrition Weakened immune function But there are a few other factors to consider when we are addressing our dog’s itchy ears… Why Is My Dog’s Ear Itchy? Anatomy or Breed Certain breeds with those long ears; the ones who end up dragging them in their food or water bowl can be more likely to suffer with bacterial overgrowth. We’re thinking spaniel or setters here. Those long ears provide a warm and moist environment for certain bacteria to thrive. It’s also a consideration for those breeds with greater amounts of hair inside their ear, those who your groomer recommends plucking out! We’re thinking poodles and alike. Whilst it may be a haven for certain bacteria having the hair there, if there is trauma through the act of plucking, we could inadvertently be opening the skin up to infection. In this scenario, it can often feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. Type of Food Fed Yeasts seem to like sugar as fuel, so diets high in grains, starches and other carbohydrates seem to contribute to an overgrowth. Generally, certain beneficial bacteria will metabolise these sugars, keeping candida in check by disrupting its food supply, but in the absence of good bacteria, candida is partying it down at the all-you-can-eat buffet! Whilst we advocate a fresh food diet, in cases of bacterial overgrowth it can be sensible to avoid certain fruits whilst getting a handle on the situation – fruit contains sugar too! Water Babies! Those dogs who love to swim or spend time at hydro can be more prone to ear issues. Again, it creates a perfect environment for certain bacteria to thrive when they are warm and damp. It’s always best to dry your dog’s ears after spending time in water. Especially with those warmer temperatures in hydro pools. Location of walks Where your dog walks or runs can mean exposure to certain grass seeds which can find their way into our dog’s ears. Not only are they initially painful and irritating, if not removed they can cause a whole host of further issues. Parasites Our dogs can be exposed to fleas, ticks or mites which can cause itching. If you would like to learn more about parasites and natural approaches to managing them, check out our blogs below: Parasites and What You Really Need To Know Natural Flea and Worming Treatments Ear Issues as a Report Card Ear issues, or rather itchy ears, can often seem like a never-ending battle, and this is largely because they’re seen as a symptomology to treat. Perhaps we need to see them as a report card. Of course, they could be telling us that our dog has been swimming and we forgot to dry their ears, or they could be telling us there’s a lodged grass seed which needs attention. There could also be a parasite burden. But they could also tell us that our dog’s immune system is a little out of whack; perhaps our dog never managed to rebalance that Th response. They could be telling us our companion’s microbial community isn’t harmonious. Our dog’s ears could be the sign our dog’s food isn’t suiting them and we need to find alternatives. Those ears could also be showing us that there is an excessive burden on detoxification pathways in the body. The reason ear issues often become chronic is because the root cause is rarely explored. We’d be looking to address immune balance and function: Do We Need To Boost Our Pet’s Immune System? We’d be supporting digestive health: Optimal Gut Health For Pets We’d be considering toxin burden: Does my Pet Need To Detox? Liver Guard And we may be considering an elimination diet: Elimination Diets For Dogs But these are only some pieces of the puzzle, we have decades of experience exploring the root cause of symptoms, so head on over to our services page to see how we can help your dog. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
The term allergy is commonly used within the pet nutrition realm. Whilst allergies to cleaning products or compounds in the environment do occur, the true incidence of food allergy in dogs is quite low. Whilst allergies do exist, we tend to see a higher number of intolerances, so what’s the difference and do we need to approach them differently? Let’s take a look at allergies and intolerances in dogs. What is a food allergy? A food allergy or other allergic response is caused by an IgE antibody reacting towards that allergen. IgE binds to mast cells to promote histamine release. In short, the immune system has sensed the particle and wants to get rid of it at all costs. You’ll know the hallmark signs of an allergy if you are unfortunate to suffer with hay fever, but the common symptoms of an allergy include: Itching Hives Swelling Coughing Sneezing/wheezing Watery eyes Anaphylaxis What is a food intolerance? In the case of a food intolerance, we tend to discuss it in terms of IgG. IgG is the work horse antibody; it is the soldier, the memory antibody. This is what gets drafted when your dog is exposed to something they have already figured out a response to. Symptoms usually begin within a few hours of eating the food that your dog is intolerant to but it’s important to note that symptoms can be delayed by up to 48 hours and last for hours or even days, making the offending food especially difficult to pinpoint. IgG’s are mostly raised from the barrier mucosa in the digestive system. After a meal, there are both antibodies and complexes of food antigens bound to specific IgG’s. These complexes are quickly cleared by the reticuloendothelial system. Clinical observations suggest that due to gut inflammation and permeability (leaky gut), the digestive system is unable to digest the proteins effectively which subsequently raises IgG response to certain foods. Chronic intestinal inflammations and permeability are related to and possibly responsible for food IgG sensitivity. A point to note is that 90% of food reactivity comes from IgG’s. Intolerances can be changeable, but allergies tend to be for life and only account for around 10% of food reactivity. The common signs of an intolerance include, and are not limited to: Poor growth in young pets Itching Vomiting Diarrhoea Flatulence Recurring ear issues Acid reflux SIBO Pain or discomfort Loss of appetite As you have gathered there is a glitch in immune function in both allergies and intolerances, but we must also consider the function of the digestive system when we are tackling intolerances. It’s important to note that IgG’s come in different categories but to keep it simple, they are generally defined as cyclic or fixed. A common IgG reaction is cyclic and can take around 3 months to disappear/change. A fixed Intolerance tends to linger for longer and can take around 6 months to disappear/change, what this means is there is no quick fix to support your dog who suffers with intolerances, we’re in it for the long haul. How to Support the Intolerant Dog First of all, we prime and reset the digestive system, and this includes starting with an elimination diet, but also includes gut healing and immune balancing protocols. We follow the 4 R’s. – Remove – carry out an elimination diet. Raw or lightly cooked is the best way to do this. Cooked foods can take pressure off the digestive system, which in these cases is beneficial. Start with novel proteins (proteins your dog’s immune system has not seen before) for example, horse, ostrich, kangaroo and hare are generally well tolerated. Horse is lean too, so a great option if digestive function isn’t where it needs to be, yet. Feed this novel protein for 4-12 weeks. Ideally if you land on a novel protein that helps the itch/digestive discomfort or doesn’t make it any worse, we recommend remaining on this protein for 12 weeks. As we noted this is the time it takes for an intolerance to change. We then introduce other novel proteins – but at no more than one per week and sticking to single source. Treats need to match too! If there are signs of intolerance, then remove that protein and go back to a protein you believe is best tolerated. Notice that it’s called an elimination diet, and not an elimination lifestyle. The overall aim is to eventually maintain a strong diversity in the diet as we know this supports optimal gut health. We would be looking to reintroduce more common proteins as time went on – but this takes time. We also practice the same process when reintroducing any fruit or vegetables – one at a time, over time. It can also be worthwhile opting for a low-histamine approach when reintroducing too. – Repair – support immunity and gut healing. Include ingredients like slippery elm, de-glycerised liquorice, glutamine, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. It is also important to consider how existing medications are affecting gut healing for example, steroid use impairs intestinal absorption which is linked to several gastrointestinal dysfunctions. But, because of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities, they are often prescribed in cases of allergies or intolerance. Findings here – Restore – optimise microbiome health As the microbiome is key in the development of the immune system, supporting this is essential. However, the introduction of specific pre and probiotic foods or supplements is sometimes best left for a few weeks into your plan, especially when carrying out an elimination diet. There may be probiotics on the market that contain protein sources not indicated on the label – always check with the manufacturer what is contained in their product and indicate that you are carrying out an elimination diet, so you need accurate information. – Replenish Indigestibility of food proteins can also contribute to their antigenic nature, so consider any long-term medication use including proton pump inhibitors which affect gastric acid secretion. Ensuring HCL, pepsin and digestive enzymes are in good
For some dogs, their sensitivities can be year-round. In this instance we are considering their exposure to environmental toxins, the food they eat and how their immune system matured and subsequently functions. For other dogs there is a direct correlation with the time of year. Whilst the sun is shining and anything feels possible for us humans, it can be a miserable time for our seasonally itchy dogs. Many dogs have a sensitivity to grass sap and keeping them off the freshly mown lawn for a couple of days can help keep pesky irritation at bay, but some allergies are a little more complicated. As always, we are available to help you manage any chronic irritation suffered by your dog, but we thought we would give you some of our top tips that can come in handy when managing your seasonally itchy dog. If you would like to understand more of the mechanism of an allergy or sensitivity, then check out the wealth of information in our other blogs: Why Do Allergies in Dogs Develop? Does My Dog Need an Allergy Test? Your Pet’s Immune System Why Allergies and Itching Have Become Such an Epidemic Now, on to our top tips: 1) Support the Gut! As you will know if you read our articles on the immune system and the lymphatic system, in the gut you will find GALT, or gut-associated lymphoid tissue. The digestive tract is heavily laden with lymphocytes, macrophages and other cells that participate in immune responses. An allergy, in essence is an immune response gone bad, so we need to support immune function and that includes the part of the immune system found in the gut. In addition, in a poor functioning digestive system, rogue particles can end up leaking through the barriers. This can be in cases of periodontal disease (bacteria getting into the blood stream from plaque formation) and damage in the tight junctions in the intestinal tract. When this happens, the immune response is called to the area of the rogue particle to get rid of it. These systemic responses can lead to hypersensitivity, leaving the immune system a little too eager to do its job on a body wide level. It is therefore essential to support the barriers in the mouth; ensuring good dental hygiene but also to support the barrier of the gut. Look to lovely gut healing ingredients such as Slippery Elm, De-Glycerised Licorice, Glutamine and N-Acetyl Glucosamine. 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health for Pets Gut Guardian 2) Consider the overuse of pharmaceutical flea and worm treatments! Whilst there is sometimes a place for the use of pharmaceutical products in high burdens of parasites, we would always advocate the use of wormcount kits to establish any burden of worms before treatment and also the use of flea repellent products over any spot-on or tablet flea treatment. The overuse of certain pharmaceutical products can place an unusual burden on many pathways in the dog’s body, compromising optimal function. It also pays to consider how often you vaccinate your pet. Vaccinosis: Damage Vaccinations Can Cause Your Pet Does My Pet Need to Detox? Natural Flea and Worming Treatments Supporting the liver and lymphatic system is essential during these times, Liver Guard can be great in this instance. Liver Guard 3) Limit Stress! Mast cells have a key role in allergic response; when they detect a substance that isn’t liked by the body, they release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. Histamine makes the blood vessels expand and the surrounding skin itchy and swollen. This is known as degranulation and what’s super interesting is that stress can result in degranulation too! This may explain the red face you feel as you are getting stressed, or if you break out in hives when you’re facing a particularly stressful time in work. If you are working to tackle allergies in your dog, then it is important to remove as many stress triggers as possible, for your dog, but also you. There is this idea of co-regulation of species, that dogs can pick up when we are stressed and we’ll admit, there is nothing more stressful than seeing our dogs suffer and feeling that we aren’t getting anywhere with fixing it! It can pay to establish our own levels of stress when we are managing a poorly pooch. Check out our perceived stress scale in the following blog to help you understand your own stress levels. 5 Tips For Dealing with a Fussy Eater Calm Complex br] 4) Rinse your dog, but not wash! If you suspect your dog may have sensitivities to certain grasses or pollen, rinse their paws, undercarriage, and chest after walks. You can also wipe their muzzle, ears, and face with a damp microfibre cloth when you get home too. But avoid over-shampooing your dog. Whilst you may opt for non-toxic products, washing can skew the microbiome found on the skin of your dog and this provides a first line of defence for the immune response. The skin has its own community of microbes that can engulf and destroy pesky ones before they have chance to cause problems; frequent bathing can alter this community. So, rinse your dog to remove potential irritants, but keep the shampoo for special occasions, like fox poo events. Your Puppy’s Microbiome 5) Essential Fatty Acids Are Just That! Allergies and sensitivities are an immune response and inflammation is the hallmark of an immune response. Inflammation is a necessary process in the body, but we need just enough to solve the problem at hand. We have compounds necessary to kick start the inflammatory response, and we have compounds that reign it back in again. What we often find is that there are more compounds around to perpetuate inflammation, and not enough to reign it back in! Therefore, it can help to fill up on foods to regulate the inflammatory response. Omega-3 is a fatty acid that has regularly been linked inflammation regulation.
Possibly one of the most common ailments that we find in the dog world – some dogs just seem to react to everything! But, if we know how allergies and sensitivities develop, is it something we can tackle? Let’s take a look and consider some top tips to support your dog’s health. What is a dog allergy? An allergy is an unnecessary immune response to an innocuous substance. True allergies are often fatal. More often than not we are faced with sensitivities – which are still an immune response. What is the immune system? The purpose of the immune system is to defend itself and keep microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi out of the body and then destroy any if they happen to get in. It has three lines of defence. The innate immune system provides the first line of defence; broadly divided into physical/chemical barriers. The physical barriers include the skin and the lining of the digestive and respiratory tract. You can think of the body like a sausage; the skin, keeps everything in, but also things out. Chemical barriers include tears and saliva along with gastric acid. But also, the microbiome – which is the community of microbes found in the mouth, lungs, gut and on the skin. We then have the innate immune system – which is for want of a better phrase a row of white blood cells (and other participants) that engulf and destroy invaders. The third defence is acquired or adaptive immunity – this is the memory bank. The cells involved in this response help the body remember antigens that it has encountered before – so it can mount a quicker response before the harmful pathogen causes any damage. The immune system is trained to recognise its own cells as self and leave them to do their jobs. It is trained to recognise anything that isn’t self and attack it. When it works, it works brilliantly and, well, us and our dogs survive. But, it can get a little too enthusiastic and start responding to things it doesn’t really need to. This is what we see as autoimmunity, but also allergies and sensitivities and there are a number of reasons for this. Allergies and Sensitivities First of all, we may be dealing with an immature immune system, and this all starts back in puppyhood. When we talk about immune responses, we tend to reference Th1 and Th2. They are both necessary responses, but a Th2 response is more commonly associated with allergy. During pregnancy, a strong Th2 response is present to reduce the risk of miscarriage. What this means is that puppies are born with a Th2 dominance. This then needs to be balanced and the way in which this occurs is through microbial exposure. This is what we know as immune tolerance – the immune systems develop through exposure to controlled challenge. The immune system is like a computer; it has software, but it needs data. The microbial ecosystem in various mucosal sites is important for the development of the immune system. The young gastrointestinal tract is colonised soon after birth by a variety of commensal bacteria that influence the development of the immune response both in the gut and systemically. The mucosal immune system in the gut must avoid adverse immune responses to dietary antigens and commensals in the new microbial ecosystem while remaining able to mount an effective response to pathogenic organisms. In an ideal world, our pets will develop a heathy immune system, and they will have sufficient immune tolerance but also eliminate threats when necessary. But we don’t always live in an ideal world. Gut Guardian br] So what else can cause issues with immune responses? Often allergies and sensitivities are associated with poor barrier function; so there may be damaged or broken skin, a poor microbiome, or damage to the integrity of the gut. Think of it like an army. If you have a row of soldiers who are standing shoulder to shoulder, you stand a good chance against the enemy. Once soldiers start falling, opportunities arise for the enemy to get through. When skin is damaged, antigens spot their opportunity and sneak in through the gaps. The same occurs in the gut. Cells sit tightly together, but when cell integrity fails, under digested food particles and pathogens see their opportunity and sneak out into circulation. The immune system spots these particles – realises they shouldn’t be there, so mounts a response. Inflammation is a key part of this response. The issue is when the barrier remains compromised, more particles sneak through and so you end up in a chronic state of inflammation. Barrier dysfunction can occur for a number of reasons: Genetic glitches Microbiome dysbiosis Long-term use of medication Toxins Environmental exposure Detoxification Pathways The more inflammatory compounds you have in the presence of a response, the more anti-inflammatory compounds you will need to counter this response. There will also be a heightened need for compounds that break down inflammatory molecules like histamine. Those suffering with allergic disease often have a higher baseline of histamine, and so clearance of this is important too. What this means is that detoxification pathways need to be running as smoothly as possible. Liver Guard Detoxification of dietary histamine normally occurs in intestinal epithelial cells via the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) as well as histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT) in the liver. What’s interesting is that there are polymorphisms in the genes that code for the DAO enzyme, but certain medications, including over the counter products are seen to inhibit the activity of DAO enzyme too. They include: Analgesics – morphine, NSAIDs Antiarrhythmics Antibiotics Antifungals Antimalarial Diuretics Motility agents Muscle relaxants Vitamins – ascorbic acid, thiamine In addition, detoxification pathways in general are nutrient demanding and they also produce a high number of free radicals. Sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 and iron, along with cysteine are essential. Does My Pet Need To
We sometimes talk about intolerances and allergies like this is the only thing that can cause your cat or dog’s itching. There can be so many reasons, layered reasons and some more serious than others. Here we explore some of the undetected and misdiagnosed reasons for your dog being itchy. Adrenal function The adrenal glands are located just in front of the kidneys. You will recognise them from when we discuss the stress response more often than not. The adrenal gland has 2 parts—the cortex and the medulla. The adrenal cortex is subdivided into 3 layers, and each layer produces a different set of steroid hormones. The outer layer produces the mineralocorticoids, which help regulate sodium and potassium salts. The middle layer produces glucocorticoids, which are involved in metabolising nutrients and reducing inflammation and immune responses. Finally, the inner layer produces sex hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and androgens. The adrenal medulla plays an important role in response to stress or low blood sugar levels in the body. It releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, both of which increase heart rate and blood pressure, increase blood sugar and slow digestion; the hallmark responses when us or our dogs are exposed to a stress trigger. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system – which is simply a system of glands that release chemical messengers called hormones. The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function in the body. So, if there is any issue in any part of it, things can start to go wrong. The two most common ways in which adrenal glands cause health issues are by producing too little or too much of certain hormones, which leads to hormonal imbalances. Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease) due to an excess of cortisol production frequently causes dogs to itch, lose hair, have thin skin with dark pigment, drink excessively and have recurring skin problems. But this raises another point, even if there are no physiological issues with the adrenal glands, high cortisol levels due to daily stress can also lead to itchy skin! Thyroid Function We’ll continue with the hormones for a minute and look at thyroid function. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland found in the neck. One of its main functions is to produce hormones to regulate the body’s metabolism, the process that turns food into energy. This too can produce too many hormones, or too few. These conditions are known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism respectively. Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism in Cats Skin issues are regularly noted in times of thyroid dysfunction, and this includes itchiness. Kidney Function Intense itchiness often accompanies late-stage kidney disease, and whilst the jury is out on the exact reasons behind it, it is thought that it’s relating to the build up of toxins in the body. This leads us nicely into the same itchy symptoms associated with early-stage liver disease, and this is considered for similar reasons. Detoxification Detoxification is carried out by a range of mechanisms, and this comes in particularly handy if one pathway is overwhelmed, another can pick up the slack. The Liver The liver neutralises a range of toxic chemicals, both those produced internally (waste from used hormones or neurotransmitters for example) and those from the environment, like air pollution, pesticides, and food additives. It does this by filtering the blood to remove large toxins, synthesising, and secreting bile and lastly enzymatically disassembling unwanted chemicals found in the body. Liver Guard Enzymatic Detoxification This enzymatical detoxification occurs in three phases. Phase I directly neutralises chemicals and changes them into new metabolites. These are then processed by phase II enzymes. This is known as the conjugation phase, which in short, liver enzymes attach small chemicals to the toxin. There are many ways in which this is done, it all depends on the type of chemical the liver is trying to manage. Phase I results in high levels of reactive oxygen species so antioxidant levels are key in modulating potential damage. Phase II is nutrient demanding and sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 and iron are essential. Phase III is the elimination phase. For optimal excretion of toxins through the digestive system, gut health is vitally important. Maintaining the mucosal barrier is key for gut health along with supporting motility. The kidneys will also filter and process toxins from circulation, excreting them as urine. The skin also forms as an elimination pathway. This is why detoxification issues can result in skin issues. In cases of liver disease, it is considered that bile salt deposits under the skin, which results in itchiness. The most important thing to do to support detoxification is to avoid exposure in the first place, so consider how much you and your dog are exposed to: Pesticides Heavy smoke Phthalates Mould Medications like steroids, antibiotics, and painkillers Heavy metals Cleaning products Air fresheners Eating foods cooked at high temperatures (most commercial dry foods) This list is not exhaustive, but it is a place to start. This mechanism also applies to vaccines. There is increasing evidence that over-vaccination is associated with the development or aggravation of immune-mediated disorders and chronic diseases in individual pets that are genetically predisposed. The primary role of the immune system in dogs is to protect against foreign invaders, or abnormal cells that invade or attack. The immune system must distinguish between self and non-self. Substances that stimulate a response are antigens. These can be contained within bacteria, viruses or microorganisms or cancer cells. They may also exist on their own, like pollen or food particles. There are three lines of defence, physical barriers, nonspecific immunity, and specific immunity. But the immune system does not always function properly, it can be underactive and overactive. An underactive system puts the animal at risk of infection, but an overactive immune system can attack parts of its body that it misidentifies as being foreign. This is what happens in autoimmune conditions. The immune system can also overreact
If you’ve been following us here at My Pet Nutritionist for a while then you will likely have come across the concept of the gut barrier, and how when it gets compromised, things can start to go a little awry. Whilst leaky gut is being blamed for all sorts, we’re here to sort fact from fiction and we’ll start with the basics. What is the Gut Barrier? The gut barrier in effect, forms the lining of the gut and it has two main features: the physical barrier and the chemical barrier The physical barrier consists of tight junctions which form a selective permeable seal between adjacent epithelial cells. This “seal” is dynamically regulated by various extracellular stimuli and is closely associated with both health and disease. TJs contribute to the function of the physical intestinal barrier by regulating the paracellular movement of ions, solutes, and water across the intestinal epithelium. It also protects against pathogens and large, harmful molecules. The regulation of these TJs is therefore crucial to a healthy barrier and there are a number of things that can influence this. Immune mediated TJ function is well documented; cytokines play a key role in the integrity of the gut barrier. Tumor necrosis factor-α Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced mainly by activated T cells and macrophages (cells of the immune system). TNF-α is known to induce cell death and inflammatory response in intestinal epithelial cells and recent studies have also demonstrated that it impairs the intestinal TJ barrier. Findings Here Interleukin-1β Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), another inflammatory cytokine is markedly elevated in intestinal mucosa under inflammatory conditions. In addition, recent studies show that IL-1β causes increased intestinal TJ permeability. Findings Here On the other hand, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is regarded as an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In vitro studies have demonstrated that IL-10 opposes the cellular functions induced by TNF-α and IFN-γ. It is suggested that IL-10 has a role in the protection of the intestinal barrier by regulation of TJ proteins. Findings Here Pathogenic Bacteria and Lipopolysaccharides It is well established that pathogenic bacteria also alter the intestinal epithelial TJ barrier. The most commonly referenced are Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Salmonella which lead to intestinal inflammation. In addition, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), also called endotoxins, a component of the outer walls of gram-negative bacteria also alter TJ protein assembly. In studies, LPS treatment is seen to increase TJ permeability and induce epithelial cell death. The other part of the barrier is the mucosal layer. Mucous Layer The mucus layer is the very first line of defence that external molecules encounter when they arrive in the gut, it prevents bacteria from directly contacting the epithelial cells, along with toxic substances and digestive enzymes. The main building blocks of the mucus layer are mucin proteins that form a gel-like sieve structure overlying the intestinal epithelium. In the small and large intestine, mucin 2 (MUC2) is the most abundant mucus protein secreted by goblet cells. MUC2 expression is critical in protection against disease, as Muc2 knock-out mice will often develop colitis. Findings Here The ability of mucins to bind water offers another protective element – they moisturise and lubricate, protecting the epithelial cells from dehydration and mechanical stress during the passage of food. Immune regulators are also found in the mucosal layer, which highlights its collaboration with the immune system. Mucous Turnover and Degradation The turnover of the intestinal mucous layer includes mucous synthesis, secretion, and degradation. It is a complex process that needs to be regulated and balanced to ensure optimal protective function. Mucin degradation has been recognized as a normal process of mucus turn-over in the GI tract, starting a few months after birth. Selective intestinal bacteria can degrade mucous glycans as an energy source, suggesting that there is a relationship between the microbiota and the mucosal layer. This is of concern in low fibre diets because in the absence of fibre as a fuel source, the microbiota will switch to mucosal glycans. It has been well established that low fibre diets are associated with a thinner colonic mucosa. Findings Here The rate of mucin turn-over can be modified by bacterial colonization, for example, the intestinal mucous requires the presence of bacteria to develop its full functionality; analysis has shown thin or even absent mucous layer in the colon of germ-free rats. Findings Here In addition, short chain fatty acids can stimulate mucous production. SCFA’s are the end products of microbial fermentation of undigestible carbohydrates with acetate, propionate and butyrate being the most common in the intestinal lumen. Starvation also influences mucin turnover. The mechanism during times of starvation is much the same as on low fibre diets, diverse bacterial species will switch to mucin as an energy source during nutrient deprivation. This poses food for thought in fasting. To Fast or Not To Fast? Finally, the consumption of a Western Style Diet (WSD) has been linked to the impairment of intestinal mucosal function. Animal studies have administered a WSD, high in fat, simple sugars and low in complex fibre and found that in just three days the mucosal layer was diminished. A reduction in MUC2 was found. However, when mice were transplanted with microbiota from a control diet, the mucosal dysfunction was prevented, despite being fed a WSD themselves. This suggests that in addition to dietary choices influencing the composition of the mucosal layer, so too does the microbiota. Your Puppy’s Microbiome What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis What Can Help Dysbiosis Furthermore, there seems to be a bidirectional relationship between stress and mucosal barrier function. Animal studies have demonstrated that early life stress impairs development of mucosal barrier function, becoming a predisposing factor to intestinal disorders in adult life. Findings Here Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System 6 Tips for Your Anxious Dog Why Dogs Need To Chew Top Tips to Support Gut Barrier Health: Offer a species appropriate diet Limit toxic exposure Support beneficial microbiome formation and maintenance Limit stress exposure Address existing inflammation If you would
Generally, when we talk about fasting in the human realms, we are talking about intermittent fasting, and the function is largely to lose weight. What this mechanism actually does is reduce overall caloric intake, so by definition, if you reduce calories, there may be a resultant weight loss (note, we say may, because weight loss isn’t always that simple). But, when we talk about fasting in dogs it’s not generally around weight loss, it’s for longevity and improved health outcomes. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, it’s a question we get asked a lot. Should we fast dogs, or not? Let’s look at the science behind it. What Is Fasting? Fasting is not the same as starvation. Starvation occurs when there are no reserves left in the body; with insufficient intake of nutrients resulting in the break down of vital tissues. Fasting is simply a form of reduced calorie intake. What is interesting is that complete or modified fasting is a natural part of the wild canine diet. Wolves, the closest living relative to the dog are a window into dog physiology. When we look at the behaviour and lifestyle of wolves reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park, they show us that they are well designed for feast or famine. When hunting is easy, they may kill every two to three days. Generally, they will first eat organ meats, then muscle. At the end of the two- or three-day period, they then eat the bones and hide, including the fur. In times of low food abundance, wolves have been seen to scavenge bone and hide for several weeks at a time. Findings Here What Happens During a Fast Digestion is an incredibly demanding task. When it occurs, all hands are on deck. When it isn’t required, hands can be diverted to other tasks. What Does the Science Say? Most of the data is looking at fasting in rats, mice, monkeys, and humans. But we do have some data from dogs. Fasting has been seen to decrease toxic load. With little competition from substances absorbed after a meal, the liver is able to fully process waste products and excrete them efficiently. In addition, it has been demonstrated that during fasting, mitochondria downregulate. As you’ll remember, the mitochondria are the power plants of the cell, where we get energy from. But through the process, a high volume of free radicals are produced. Therefore, with downregulation, fewer free radicals are produced, which reduces oxidative stress. Fasting has been seen to decrease inflammatory molecules in many cell types. As we know inflammation underlies many chronic diseases and so it’s easy to agree when we see data suggesting that fasting reduces the incidence of: Cancer Arthritis Cognitive decline Diabetes (prevention) Dermatitis Liver, kidney, and heart disease Findings Here Findings Here Furthermore, fasting has showed a lower rate of muscle loss with age, with no apparent loss of bone density. Findings Here Finally, fasting for 48 hours has been shown to protect normal cells, but not cancer cells, from the toxic effects of chemotherapy. This approach has been utilised in humans to mitigate side effects associated with chemotherapy. Findings Here So, we know that fasting has some great benefits, but is there anything we should be mindful of? Well, we shouldn’t fast cats, in it’s true definition. The feline liver doesn’t downregulate during fasting, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) has been seen to occur in a cat fasted for as little as two days. But calorie restriction (to 70% of a standard diet) has been used in therapeutic approaches and favourably affected physical activity, lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Findings Here There’s also no place for fasting in puppies. Puppyhood is one of the most nutritionally demanding periods; to build a body, they need the component parts. The same goes for bitches in whelp; to build babies, they need the component parts. A note on diabetes… Diabetes is a disease that results from an absolute or relative lack of insulin. As we know, insulin helps get glucose into cells to be used as energy; it therefore maintains the amount of glucose found in the bloodstream. Fasting with diabetes can result in dangerously low blood sugar levels. The bottom line? Guidance from a qualified practitioner may be worthwhile if you are considering fasting with any pre-existing health concerns. It may not be appropriate at all. So How Do You Do It? Well, there are two ways really. The first is to fast for a whole day once a week. This was seemingly the accepted routine for farmers and gundogs in decades gone by. But it’s not about removing what your dog would usually eat on that day, you simply spread it out on the other days – some have spread it throughout the week, some load it the day before and the day after the fast. Ensure that the amount you are feeding is appropriate for the healthy weight your pet requires. The other way is just providing an eating window. You can feed one meal per day, or two but within a short eating window of each other (generally 6-8 hours of each other). For example, you feed breakfast at 9am and then supper at 4 or 5pm. During any fasting periods, dogs should always have access to fresh, filtered water. As you have noticed, there is a difference between fasting and calorie restriction – fasting is allowing periods of rest between food ingestion. Calorie restriction is reduction of calories. But both have great health benefits, depending on the pet and their current health status. If you are looking to tackle a weight issue in your pet check out our blogs here. Obesity in Pets – Part I Obesity in Pets – Part II Fasting or calorie restriction may not be appropriate for all pets, and so if you are wondering if any dietary changes may be of benefit to your pet, check out our services. Consultations Thanks for reading, MPN Team x
As we know bacteria is everywhere, both the good ones and the not so good ones. Sometimes the bad ones can get a little out of hand and start causing a whole host of problems, we know this as bacterial overgrowth and we’re going to be looking at small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO specifically. Here at My Pet Nutritionist is something we keep an eye out for, so we thought we’d let you know why. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is defined as excessive bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO is frequently implicated as the cause of chronic diarrhoea and malabsorption. Dogs with SIBO may suffer from unintentional weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and osteoporosis for example. When we reference the microbiome, we are considering the microbial community found in the whole of the digestive tract. Generally, the further down we go, the more bugs we find. So, we would expect the majority of the bugs to be found in the colon. SIBO is when there are higher numbers found in the small intestine. The type of microbial flora present plays an important role in the manifestation of signs and symptoms of overgrowth. For example, a predominance of bacteria that metabolize bile salts to unconjugated or insoluble compounds may lead to fat malabsorption or bile acid diarrhoea. In contrast, microorganisms that preferentially metabolize carbohydrates to short-chain fatty acids and gas may produce bloating without diarrhoea because the metabolic products can be absorbed. There are a number of contributing factors to the development of SIBO but two of the main ones are gastric acid secretion and small intestine dysmotility. Gastric Acid Gastric acid is necessary in the digestion of food. Not only that but it suppresses the growth of ingested bacteria (it forms one of the protective barriers), which limits bacterial counts in the upper small intestine. Gastric acid is produced in the stomach, so it provides a buffer before compounds even reach the small intestine. Gastric acid is produced by the parietal cells in the stomach, and there are cases of autoimmunity whereby the body attacks its own parietal cells resulting in low levels of gastric acid. Not only that but certain medications like proton pump inhibitors are also used to suppress gastric acid. Antihistamine medications also suppress gastric acid secretion. PPIs are often used to treat a range of GI disorders in dogs and antihistamines are regularly used to treat allergic dermatitis. In addition, gastric acid secretion is regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve and there is clear evidence that increased levels of certain stress hormones inhibits the release of it. Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System The stress response also plays a role in intestinal motility. Intestinal Motility Several programmed movements are responsible for the transport of food between the different parts of the digestive system. Peristalsis is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. The migrating motor complex typically moves between the stomach and small intestine, sweeping the intestine clean between meals; this is the rumble you will hear! Hormones like motilin and ghrelin are involved in the generation of MMCs. Mass movement is another programmed movement, and this is what propels the formed poop into the rectum, ready for evacuation. Mass movements are put on hold overnight but start again in the morning. They follow their own circadian rhythm. Impaired gastric motility can result in food and waste sitting in the small intestine for longer that it should. There are a number of reasons why motility may be affected. Mechanical obstruction, Abnormalities in smooth muscle function, Secondary conditions such as electrolyte disturbances, metabolic disorders, concurrent medication use, stress, and abdominal inflammation. However, there is more attention being paid to the development of SIBO through antigens gaining access to the lamina propria. The lamina propria is a thin layer of connective tissue that forms part of the moist linings known as mucous membranes or mucosa which line the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. It is therefore thought that a compromised mucosal barrier is a risk factor for SIBO. The mucus layer is the very first line of physical defence that external molecules encounter when they arrive in the gut lumen, it prevents bacteria from directly contacting the epithelial cells, along with toxic substances and digestive enzymes. Within this strand, it therefore prevents colonic inflammation. The main building blocks of the mucus layer are highly glycosylated mucin proteins that form a gel-like sieve structure overlying the intestinal epithelium. The small intestine only has one mucus gel layer whereas the colon has two layers: an outer, loose layer that allows the long-term colonisation of commensal bacteria, and an inner dense layer empty of bacteria. Mucin degradation has been recognized as a normal process of mucus turn-over in the GI tract, but selective bacterial species can degrade mucous glycans as an energy source in the absence of other food sources and so if degradation outperforms secretion, we start to have a problem. Furthermore, diets high in refined products, sugars and saturated fats are also associated with compromised mucosal function. Early stress is also linked to impaired mucosal development, so the health of our puppy’s gut really does start with the Mother! Prevalence of SIBO SIBO has also been noted in dogs with existing chronic intestinal disease, and although many breeds are affected, German Shepherds are seemingly predominant in reports. SIBO is regularly seen in dogs with exocrine pancreatic sufficiency. Juice culture is the gold standard for SIBO diagnosis, but it is often described as being technically difficult, time-consuming and expensive. In addition, bacterial counts may be influenced by environmental factors and infective load. One of the first things to consider is whether your dog is currently eating an antigenic diet – with the increased intestinal permeability that often accompanies SIBO, establishing sensitivities is a good place to start. Elimination Diets For Dogs In addition to this, if SIBO has been prolonged there may be underlying nutrient deficiencies so
A question that often pops up here at My Pet Nutritionist so we thought we’d do a whistle stop tour on the gallbladder and some of the more common issues that can arise when it’s not functioning as it should. Let’s get cracking. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits just under the liver. Its function is to store and concentrate bile, a yellow-brown digestive juice produced by the liver. It is part of the biliary tract. When food enters the small intestine, a hormone known as cholecystokinin is released, this tells the gallbladder to contract and secrete bile into the small intestine, through the common bile duct. There are two important functions of bile: Bile contains bile acids, which are critical for digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. Many waste products, including bilirubin, are eliminated from the body by secretion into bile and elimination in faeces. Bile contains water, electrolytes and a battery of organic molecules including bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids and bilirubin. Sadly, the build up of these very compounds can lead to a number of problems in the gallbladder, they are known as canine gallbladder diseases and include: Biliary Sludge Gallbladder mucoceles Gallstones Gut Guardian Biliary Sludge Gallbladder sludge is a collection of cholesterol, calcium, bilirubin, and other compounds that build up in the gallbladder. It is more technically known as biliary sludge. It is not technically a condition on its own, but it’s presence can lead to further issues. Gallbladder sludge has been associated with: Obesity Rapid weight loss Cholecystitis – the swelling and inflammation of the gallbladder. It can result in bile trapped in the gallbladder, causing pain, vomiting, and bloating Blocked biliary ducts – these allow the gallbladder to drain – if sludge can’t escape, it accumulates Of interest, biliary sludge has been associated with acute cases of pancreatitis. In human cases, where no cause of pancreatitis could be found, upwards of 30% of patients showed evidence of biliary sludge. Findings Here If the initial cause of gallbladder sludge is rectified, then it often resolves on its own. However, if the factors remain, gallbladder sludge can lead to gallstones. Gallstones Gallstones are not surprisingly, small stones that form in the gallbladder. It’s when there is an imbalance in the usual liquid composition of bile inside. Because inadequate emptying or infrequent gallbladder movement are usual factors that increase the likelihood of gallstones forming, it’s easy to see how biliary sludge can lead to gallstones. Risk Factors for gallstones; Obesity, Older age, Disorders of the digestive system, Rapid weight loss, Signs and Symptoms of gallstones: Vomiting Jaundice Loss of appetite Abdominal pain Fever Discomfort after eating Gallstones are more commonly seen in older dogs, and often in smaller breeds like miniature schnauzers and miniature poodles. They may be identified in the gallbladder, common bile ducts, hepatic, or interlobular ducts. They are generally composed of cholesterol, bile pigments and calcium carbonate. Gallbladder mucoceles (GBM) A gallbladder mucocele is an abnormal accumulation of bile laden mucoid material within the gallbladder, resulting in bile duct obstruction. Mucins, which play a major role in the development of gallbladder mucoceles, are a family of polysaccharides secreted by mucosal epithelial cells of the gallbladder, stomach, intestines and other organs. Mucins act as surfactants and play a mucoprotective role by preventing self-digestion of mucosal epithelium by digestive juices. A gallbladder mucocele is characterized by the excessive secretion of mucin from gallbladder epithelium. Dogs who have suffered with GBM have ranged in age from 3-14 years old, but middle to older aged dogs are thought to be at a higher risk. A genetic mutation has also been found on the ABCB4 (MDR3) phospholipase flippase transported in Shetland Sheepdogs and others. There is an increased incidence in these dogs along with Miniature Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels. Findings Here Signs and Symptoms of GBM: Loss of appetite Lethargy Vomiting Diarrhoea Jaundice Abdominal pain or discomfort The underlying cause of GBM is essentially unknown, but there are considered associations. For example, gallbladder mucoceles has been associated metabolic disruption. Dogs with GBM: are characterized by significantly diminished antioxidant capacity demonstrate altered energy metabolism have abnormal lipid metabolism demonstrate presence of xenobiotics compared to controls In addition, those dogs with GBM formation show increases in certain compounds that suggest they are in a state of excess metabolic energy. This is why these dogs show lower levels of pantothenate, riboflavin and nicotinamide riboside because there is an increased demand for these compounds in energy transportation. Findings Here There is also consideration given to hydration state; studies have indicated an underlying defect in electrolyte, acid-base or fluid transport. Findings Here Finally, the formation of gallbladder mucoceles has been associated with certain medication use: Dogs with GBM were 2.2 times as likely to have had reported use of thyroxine 3.6 times as likely to have had reported treatment for Cushing’s disease 2.3 times as likely to have had reported use of products containing imidacloprid (insecticide) Findings Here Supporting Healthy Gallbladder Function Maintain an ideal body score Obesity in Pets – Part One Obesity in Pets – Part Two Support digestive function Low Fat Kangaroo The Dog’s Digestive System Optimal Gut Health Pancreatitis: Natural Guide for Pets Stay hydrated! Offer filtered water and ditch the dry! Offer antioxidant rich foods! Berries and leafy greens are a great place to start! Dietary Patterns Studies have indicated that the consumption of sugar, refined grains, processed meats and low-fat food products are associated with increased risk of gallstone disease. Likewise, the intake of nuts, fruits, vegetables and omega-3 PUFAs is associated with reduced gallstone disease. Supportive nutrients in terms of gallbladder health include fibre, magnesium, and vitamin C. Findings Here Why Is Magnesium So Important to Your Pet Why Fibre is Good For Your Dog Why Chia Is So Good For Your Dog Issues with the gallbladder are sadly not that simple, there are several factors to consider. If you are concerned about your dog’s gallbladder or liver
Histamine intolerance (HIT), more technically known as enteral histaminosis, is characterised by the development of problematic symptoms after the ingestion of histamine containing foods. However, current schools of thought are that HIT is not solely due to dietary histamine exposure, but exposure along with insufficient or impaired histamine detoxification. We can see the raised eyebrows from here, so here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d take a closer look at this issue. What is histamine Histamine is a transmitter in the nervous system and a signalling molecule in the gut, skin, and immune system. It is synthesised from the amino acid histidine which is in fact an essential amino acid for humans and dogs. It is primarily associated with the functioning of the immune system. During an immune reaction, histamine is released from mast cells throughout the body and contributes to the physical changes necessary for the immune system to fight the pathogen, like the increase in blood pressure, temperature, swelling, and constriction in the lungs. Histamine is released to carry out a function and then it is removed, or it should be, efficiently. Detoxification of dietary histamine normally occurs in intestinal epithelial cells via the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) as well as histamine-N-methyl-transferase (HNMT) in the liver. The term histamine intolerance is used similarly to lactose intolerance in humans (LIT). LIT, with a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, shows parallels to the definition of HIT, with a deficiency of the GI enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). DAO is a secretory protein stored in structures of the plasma membrane and is responsible for the degradation of extracellular histamine. The expression of DAO is restricted to certain tissues, mainly the small intestine, colon, placenta and kidneys. In the intestine, DAO activity increases progressively from the duodenum to the ileum and is located mainly in the intestinal villi. On the other hand, the enzyme HNMT is expressed in a wide range tissues including the kidneys and liver, the spleen, colon, prostate, ovaries, spinal cord cells, trachea, and respiratory tract. The gateway for dietary histamine is the intestinal epithelium. So, although HNMT is also present in the gastrointestinal tract, the more highly expressed DAO plays the major role in protecting the body against exogenous histamine, whether originating from ingested food or generated by the intestinal microbiota. What Can Cause Deficiencies in DAO? There are polymorphisms in the genes that encode for the DAO enzyme, but certain medications, including over the counter products are seen to inhibit the activity of DAO enzyme too. They include: Analgesics – morphine, NSAIDs Antiarrhythmics Antibiotics Antifungals Antimalarial Diuretics Motility agents Muscle relaxants Vitamins – ascorbic acid, thiamine Findings Here Furthermore, several inflammatory bowel pathologies affecting mucosal integrity are known to result in impaired DAO activity. DAO activity has been proposed as a marker of the integrity of intestinal mucosa. In inflammatory bowel diseases, reduced DAO activity was related to the degree of mucosal damage. In one human study, DAO activity was significantly reduced in cases of ulcerative colitis compared to the control population. gut guardian can help support histamine intolerance and allergies. Findings Here Gut Guardian Prevalence of DAO deficiency in HIT In human studies, 80% of patients showing symptoms of HIT also demonstrated DAO deficiency. Symptoms of HIT include: urticaria pruritus diarrhoea abdominal pain vomiting constipation cough rhinitis If DAO production is low, histamine blood serum will inevitably be high. This is where the liver needs to be functioning effeciently, to assist with excess histamine metabolism. Liver Guard Diagnosing HIT Currently the general rule of thumb is that two or more symptoms of HIT are being presented. Other gastrointestinal pathologies should also be dismissed. Low histamine diets are recommended in the short term, to establish remission or improvement in symptoms. Low Histamine Diets Foods that potentially contain high levels of histamine are: a) those microbiologically altered, such as fish and meat, or derived products that may have been preserved or processed in unsuitably hygienic conditions. b) fermented products, in which the bacteria responsible for the fermentation process may also have aminogenic capacity. If you would like more information on low histamine diets check out our blog here. Low Histamine Diets for Dogs More are now acknowledging the role of DAO inhibitor medications and the result on histamine load. In addition, we must consider how the health of the gut may be influencing enzyme capacity and so we really need to take a look at the bigger picture. Does My Pet Need to Detox 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health for Pets If any of this is ringing a little true for your dog, then please check out our services to see if we may be able to help. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
The microbiome was first defined in 1958. It was identified as the collective genome of the microorganisms that share body space. These microorganisms include bacteria, archaea, virus, and fungi. It is believed that 90% of human cells are not of human origin; hence the saying we are only 10% human. Microorganisms of the microbiome therefore provide an important genetic variation. Bacterial genes provide diversity and functions that human cells do not have. This similarly applies to our pets. The microbiome is an important modifier of disease and an essential component of immunity. Dysbiosis of the many microbiomes have been associated with a range of disorders and each day we are learning more about more about the community inside and on top of us, and our pets. Whilst our research is still getting a handle on things, and there are many things we still don’t know much about, we know that certain things can skew the microbiome to result in dysbiosis, and there are somethings than can help it sort itself out. Let’s take a look. The intestinal microbiota is the collection of all microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. The microbiome is the collective genome of these microorganisms. Bacteria make up most microbial cells, showing an increase in abundance from the stomach to the colon. The predominant phyla in the GIT of healthy dogs are: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria But each individual animal will have their own personal profile. A note on testing… it would stand to reason, that if we know the bugs that contribute to healthy microbiomes and those that can start to run amok, if we could test for them, then we could tailor a microbiome for health? This is a great concept and one that is gaining traction in the human world, but we still haven’t established a perfect microbiome or microbiota. As it stands, we need to learn more – and acknowledge that our microbiomes are unique – what may be perfect for your dog, may not be perfect for mine. We know that certain bacterial groups have consequences – both beneficial and potentially deleterious. For example, certain dietary carbohydrates can be fermented by the microbes in the gut – in this process, they produce short-chain-fatty-acids. These are known as butyrate, acetate and propionate. On the plus side, these compounds are anti-inflammatory, they maintain intestinal barrier function, regulate motility (the movement of the digestive system) and also provide energy for epithelial cells. On the downside, they can activate virulence factors of enteropathogens. In addition, bile acids also seem to be a major regulator of the gut microbiota. Liver health is therefore implicated in microbiome composition as reduced bile levels are associated with bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. Secondary bile acids have been seen to inhibit the growth of clostridum difficile, Escherichia coli and more. They are also seen to modulate glucose/insulin secretion from the pancreas. Bacteria in the gut produce these secondary bile acids and so if they aren’t present, their antimicrobial function is missed! Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have significantly reduced bacterial diversity, with lactic acid bacteria Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae increased, likely because of overgrowth associated with maldigestion. As we know, the pancreas produces enzymes that help digestion, so if this isn’t occurring upstream in the digestive process, it can cause problems further down. If you would like to know more about the digestive process that occurs in the dog, check out our blog: The Digestive System of the Dog Many studies have highlighted the alterations in bacterial diversity in a range of conditions in the dog. So, what can result in these alterations in bacterial diversity? Generally, the major types of dysbiosis fall under 4 categories. Abnormal substrates in digestive tract Loss of beneficial commensal bacteria Increase in total bacterial load Increased pathogenic bacteria Abnormal Substrates in Digestive Tract The most common here are undigested nutrients – if there is low stomach acid, digestion is impaired resulting in undigested nutrients moving through the digestive tract. If the pancreas isn’t fully functioning and releasing those helpful digestive enzymes, the same applies. The other abnormal substrate includes medications – which may result in changes in the microbiome. Loss of Beneficial Commensal Bacteria The most common cause of loss of commensal bacteria is the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSA) – BSAs aren’t fussy – they’ll do their job perfectly, taking all bugs with them – this includes those beneficial commensal bacteria that keep the bad guys in check, and which help produce metabolites for optimal functioning. Of interest here is the mechanism by which antibiotics can affect the chemical transformation of pesticides. Antibiotics, through their bug killing capacity, have been seen to suppress enzymes required in hepatic metabolism and also increase intestinal absorption leading to improved bioavailability of pesticides and therefore skyrocketing their risk factor. Findings Here Increase in Total Bacterial Load This is more relevant in cases of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. When we reference the microbiome, we are considering the microbial community found in the whole of the digestive tract. Generally, the further down we go, the more bugs we find. For this reason, we would expect the majority of the bugs to be found in the colon. SIBO is when there are higher numbers found in the small intestine. Low stomach acid can contribute to the development of SIBO – and the administration of proton pump inhibitors and antihistamines can both suppress gastric acid secretion. Poor motility can also contribute to the development of SIBO, and stress can be a huge factor that contributes to motility issues. In short, if the digestive system isn’t moving, food particles sit where they shouldn’t. Increased bacterial load is what occurs in yeast issues for example. Candida is harmless when kept in check, but for a number of reasons it can overgrow. If you would like to learn more about yeast, check out our blog: Is your Dog a Yeasty Beast? Increased Pathogenic Bacteria No-one will knowingly ingest pathogenic bacteria – we can’t speak for
