Effects of a therapeutic weight loss diet on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese dogs.

Obesity has become a major health issue in dogs. Obesity in dogs increases the risk of many chronic diseases and chronic low-grade inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a therapeutic weight loss (TWL) diet on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese dogs. Thirty overweight and obese dogs were randomized into two groups with 15 dogs per group based on key baseline (BSL) parameters and allotted to either a control or TWL diet for 6 mo. At the start of the study, the control group had six females and nine males with mean age of 9.12 ±â€…0.48 (mean ±â€…SEM) yr; there were seven females and eight males with mean age of 9.73 ±â€…0.63 yr in the TWL group. The control group and the TWL group had comparable body weight (34.78 ±â€…0.76 and 34.63 ±â€…0.86 kg, respectively), % body fat (BF; 39.77 ±â€…1.18 and 39.89 ±â€…0.93, respectively), and body condition score (BCS; 7.80 ±â€…0.14 and 7.67 ±â€…0.16 on a 9-point BCS scale, respectively). The control (CTRL) diet was formulated based on the macronutrient ratio of a commercial metabolic diet, and the TWL diet was enriched with dietary protein, fish oil, and soy germ meal. Both diets were fortified with essential nutrients to account for caloric restriction during weight loss. Dogs were fed with 25% less than BSL maintenance energy requirement (MER) for the first 4 mo and if they did not reach a BCS of 5, they were fed 40% less than BSL MER for the last 2 mo. Body composition was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Postprandial glucose profiles were determined by continuous glucose monitoring devices. Serum samples were collected for analyses of blood parameters, hormones, and cytokines. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.3, with significance being P < 0.05. At the end of the study, the control group and the TWL group had comparable weight loss (-5.77 ±â€…0.31 and -6.14 ±â€…0.32 kg, respectively; P = 0.4080). But the TWL group lost significantly (P = 0.034) more BF (-13.27 ±â€…1.28%) than the control group (-9.90 ±â€…1.23%). In addition, the TWL diet completely prevented loss of lean body mass (LBM) in dogs compared with BSL. Dogs fed with the TWL diet had significantly lower fasting serum cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, leptin, mean postprandial interstitial glucose, and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with dogs fed with the CTRL diet. In summary, the TWL diet prevented loss of LBM, promoted weight loss and metabolic health, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in overweight and obese dogs during weight loss.

Obesity has become a major health issue in dogs and increases the risk of many chronic diseases and chronic low-grade inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a therapeutic weight loss (TWL) diet on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese dogs. Thirty overweight and obese dogs were randomized into two groups with 15 dogs per group and assigned to either a control (CTRL) diet or TWL diet for a 6 mo weight loss study. Changes in body composition were determined every 2 mo. Blood samples were collected to measure changes in lipid profiles, hormones, cytokines, and chemokines. Postprandial glucose profiles were determined by a continuous glucose monitoring system. The results of the study showed that the TWL diet completely prevented loss of lean body mass (LBM) in dogs compared with baseline. Dogs fed with the TWL diet had significantly lower fasting serum cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, leptin, mean postprandial glucose, and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with dogs fed with the CTRL diet. In summary, the TWL diet prevented loss of LBM, promoted weight loss and metabolic health, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in overweight and obese dogs during weight loss.

Expression of Toll-like receptor and cytokine mRNAs in feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL) and feline oral health.

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL) is a common chronic inflammatory condition whose aetiopathogenesis remains unclear. FORL affects 20-75% of cats and causes excruciating pain and tooth loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate chronic inflammation in FORL by assessing differences in Toll-like receptor (TLR) and cytokine transcripts in gingival tissues between diseased and healthy cats. Gingival tissue samples were collected from 14 healthy cats with no known clinical signs of oral disease and 41 cats with FORL. Levels of mRNA encoding TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, TLR9 and the cytokines interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR. Statistical significance of the results was assessed using non-parametric tests. Levels of TLR and cytokine transcripts were upregulated in gingival tissue from cats with FORL as compared with healthy gingival tissue: TLR2, TLR3 and TLR9, p ≤ 0.001; TLR4 and TLR7, p ≤ 0.01; IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-1ß and TNF-α, p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, expression of TLR and both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased, confirming an ongoing chronic inflammatory response to the microbiome in FORL. It is likely that dysbiosis of the oral microbiota in cats with FORL activates the innate immune response, leading to active inflammation that results in tooth resorption.

Microbiome analysis of feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL) and feline oral health.

Introduction. Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL) is one of the most common and painful oral diseases of the cat. It is characterised by tooth resorption due to destructive activity of odontoclasts. FORL can result in tooth loss. While the aetiology of FORL is not clearly understood, it is thought to be multifactorial and bacteria are likely to play a major role.Hypothesis. Dysbiosis of the normal feline oral microbiota leads to an alteration in commensal bacteria populations, which results in the development of FORL.Aim. The purpose of the current study was to determine the composition of the microbiomes associated with feline oral health and FORL.Methodology. Supragingival plaque was collected from 25 cats with a healthy oral cavity and 40 cats with FORL. DNA was extracted from each sample, the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction and amplicons sequenced. Diversity and species richness analyses were performed, principal component analysis was used to explore differences between the oral microbiomes of healthy cats and those with FORL, and linear discriminant analysis effect size was used to assess differences between the groups.Results. The six most abundant bacterial genera identified were Bergeyella, Capnocytophaga, Lampropedia, Morexella, Porphyromonas and Treponema. Two-step cluster analysis of the data identified two FORL sub-groups (FORL-1, FORL-2). The FORL-2 sub-group was very similar to the healthy group, whilst the FORL-1 sub-group was clearly different from both the FORL-2 sub-group and the healthy groups. In this analysis, Capnocytophaga (P <0.001) and Lampropedia (P <0.01) were found at significantly lower levels and Porphyromonas at a slightly higher level in the FORL-1 sub-group compared to the healthy and FORL-2 sub-groups. Microbial diversity was found to be less in the FORL-1 sub-group than in the healthy group. Lampropedia sp., a phosphate-accumulating oral commensal species, was significantly lower in the FORL-1 sub-group.Conclusion. The oral microbiota associated with the FORL-1 sub-group is distinct from that found in the healthy group and FORL-2 sub-group. Lampropedia species may influence the local calcium-phosphate ratio, which could be a factor in tooth and bone resorption observed in FORL.

Disentangling factors that shape the gut microbiota in German Shepherd dogs.

The aim of this study was to explore the development of the gut microbiota in 168 German Shepherd dogs (30 litters) from 7 weeks to 18 months of age and furthermore, to study the effect of relatedness, maternal microbiota composition and living environment in a large and well-defined population of dogs. Using 454 pyrosequencing, we assessed the effects of pre- and postnatal probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC533 (La1)) and analysed whether administration of the probiotic strain influenced fecal microbiota composition in a placebo controlled double-blinded study. The bitches were treated with probiotics or placebo during last trimester of pregnancy and until their puppies were 8 weeks old, the puppies received the same treatment as their mothers between 3-12 weeks of age. Samples from bitches were collected at pregnancy day 42, partum, 4 weeks postpartum and 7 weeks postpartum and from puppies at the age 4 weeks, 7 weeks, 12-13 months and 15-18 months. Serum IgA, total serum IgE, fecal IgA and IgG antibody responses against canine distemper virus were analysed by ELISA in order to detect any immune stimulating effects of the probiotic strain. Analysis of the fecal microbiota composition showed that the predominant phyla were the same in 7 weeks old puppies as in pregnant and lactating bitches (Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes). Proportions among different bacteria as well as diversity varied from 7 weeks old puppies up to 15-18 months of age. Litter mates had a more similar fecal microbiota compared to unrelated dogs and 7 weeks old puppies were more similar to their mothers than to unrelated bitches at 7 weeks postpartum but not at partum. We observed a change in the relative abundance of different bacteria during lactation, and an increase in diversity from pregnancy to end of lactation. The microbial diversity was affected by living area where dogs living in big cities had higher diversity compared to dogs living at the countryside. However, we were not able to demonstrate an effect by pre and postnatal exposure to Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC533 (La1) upon the diversity or composition of the microbiota or the levels of serum IgA, total serum IgE, fecal IgA or vaccine response. Our findings provide a better understanding of the canine fecal microbiota in growing dogs as well as in pregnant and lactating bitches. This information forms a basis for further research on the connection between early gut colonization and immune function later in life.

Prevalence of feline calicivirus in cats with odontoclastic resorptive lesions and chronic gingivostomatitis.

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL) and feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) are two of the most common diseases of the feline oral cavity. While evidence is emerging that FCGS is caused by gingival inflammation initiated and perpetuated by the oral microbiota, little is known in this regard for FORL. Feline calicivirus (FCV) has been associated with the presence of FCGS and is thought to play a role in the initiation of this disease. In this study, the incidence of FCV was investigated in cats with FORL and FCGS, and compared to unaffected controls. FCV was detected by viral culture. The incidence of FCV was as follows: 6 (24.0%) of 24 control cats, 9 (22.5%) of 40 cats with FORL and 15 (60.0%) of 25 cats with FCGS were positive for FCV. There was a significant difference in FCV incidence between all the groups (p=0.003) but none between the control group and the FORL group. However, significant differences were observed in the incidence of FCV between control and FCGS (p=0.010) and between FORL and FCGS (p=0.006). It is concluded that although FCV may be associated with FCGS, it appears unlikely to play a role in FORL.

Outcomes of Cancer Survivorship Care Provided by Advanced Practice RNs Compared to Other Models of Care: A Systematic Review

Problem Identification: Advanced practice RNs (APRNs) have become leaders in providing survivorship care. However, outcomes of survivorship care provided by APRNs compared to other providers remain unclear. Literature Search: A systematic literature search included articles published after 2005 that described a survivorship model of care and use of a survivorship care plan (SCP), as well as reported outcomes. Data Evaluation: Sixteen studies were appraised and ranked by strength. Literature was evaluated based on the model of care, which included physicians, nurses, and APRNs who provided or reviewed SCPs. Outcomes evaluated were satisfaction, quality of life (QOL), and process/cost efficiency. Synthesis: Survivorship care is reimbursable when provided by APRNs secondary to the ability to bill for services. Improved patient satisfaction and QOL are demonstrated when survivorship care is provided by APRNs. Incorporation of SCPs into health records improves process/cost efficiency. Conclusions: Patient satisfaction was reported in all models of care. When compared to groups who received no survivorship care, no differences were reported in QOL, but survivorship care required extensive use of resources. Survivorship care provided by APRNs demonstrated improvement in satisfaction, QOL, and process/cost efficiency. Implications for Nursing: Incorporating descriptions of care models and associated outcomes into randomized, controlled trials of survivorship care would provide stronger evidence to guide practice. Studies evaluating outcomes of process/cost efficiency should be considered for future research. Outcome research is needed regarding the incorporation of SCPs into electronic health records.

Immunoglobulins in dogs: correspondence and maturation in 15 litters of German shepherd dogs and their dams.

Some dog breeds, including the German shepherd dog (GSD), are predisposed to immune-related disorders. The authors prospectively described development of serum and faecal IgA and serum IgE in GSD from puppies until adulthood and the relationship between mothers and their offspring. Further, the authors tested whether dogs with lower serum IgA also have low faecal IgA and/or serum IgE. To reveal whether any of the parameters could be proven to influence the immune response, the authors also measured serum IgG against canine distemper virus (CDV). To test their hypothesis, the authors used linear mixed models to investigate the relationship of serum IgA, serum IgE and faecal IgA levels in litters and their mothers. Fifteen GSD bitches beginning at 42 days of pregnancy and subsequently all of their offspring (n=83 puppies), reared under well-controlled conditions, were included. All dogs came from the kennel of the Swedish Armed Forces. Serum IgE, serum IgA and faecal IgA levels were lower in seven-week-old puppies than at one year of age. There was no relationship in Ig concentrations between bitches and their puppies at seven weeks of age. Dogs with higher faecal IgA had higher IgG titres against CDV, indicating a favourable systemic immune status.

Milk oligosaccharides over time of lactation from different dog breeds.

The partnership of humans and dogs goes back to over 10'000 years, yet relatively little is known about a dog's first extra-uterine nutrition particularly when it comes to milk oligosaccharides. We set out to identify and quantify milk oligosaccharides over the course of lactation from different dog breeds (Labrador retriever, Schnauzer and 3 Alaskan husky crossbreeds). To this end, 2 different chromatographic methods with fluorescence and mass spectrometry detection were developed and one was validated for quantification. Besides lactose and lactose-sulphate, we identified 2 different trisaccharides composed of 3 hexose units, 3'sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'sialyllactose (6'SL), 2'fucosyllactose (2'FL), and a tetrasaccharide composed of 2 hexoses, an N-acetylhexosamine and a deoxyhexose. 3'SL was present at the highest levels in milk of all dog breeds starting at around 7.5 g/L and dropping to about 1.5 g/L in the first 10 days of lactation. 6'SL was about 10 times less abundant and 2'FL and the tetrasaccharide had rather varying levels in the milk of the different breeds with the tetrasaccharide only detectable in the Alaskan husky crossbreeds. The longitudinal and quantitative data of milk oligosaccharides from different dog breeds are an important basis to further our understanding on their specific biological roles and also on the specific nutritional requirements of lactating puppies.

Effects of dietary macronutrient composition and feeding frequency on fasting and postprandial hormone response in domestic cats.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of dietary macronutrients and feeding frequency on blood glucose, insulin, total ghrelin and leptin. A total of twelve adult lean neutered male cats were used in three tests, all cross-over studies composed of a 15 d adaptation and blood sampling on day 16. In trial 1, differences between two- and four-meal feeding were tested. On day 16, blood samples were collected every 2 h for 24 h. In trial 2, macronutrient boluses were tested. Instead of the control diet, the morning meal on day 16 was replaced with an isoenergetic bolus of carbohydrate (maltodextrin), protein (chicken meat), fat or water. Fasted and ten postprandial blood samples were collected. In trial 3, diets high in fat (HF), protein (HP), carbohydrate (HC) or a control diet were tested. On day 16, fasted and ten postprandial blood samples were collected. Data were analysed to identify baseline and AUC changes. Cats fed four meals daily had greater (P = 0·03) leptin incremental AUC0-24 h compared with cats fed twice daily. The carbohydrate bolus increased glucose (P < 0·001) and insulin (P < 0·001) incremental AUC0-6 h and tended to increase (P = 0·09) leptin net AUC0-6 h. Cats fed the control and HC diets had greater (P = 0·03) glucose incremental AUC compared with the HF and HP conditions. Circulating hormone data were highly variable and indicated changes due to dietary macronutrients and feeding frequency, but further study is needed to identify impacts on appetite and contributing mechanisms.

A novel resistant maltodextrin alters gastrointestinal tolerance factors, fecal characteristics, and fecal microbiota in healthy adult humans.

OBJECTIVE: Resistant maltodextrin has been shown to increase fecal bulk by resisting digestion and being partially fermented by colonic bacteria to short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). The objective of this experiment was to determine potential prebiotic effects, gastrointestinal tolerance, and fecal characteristics of free-living humans fed a novel resistant maltodextrin or a normal maltodextrin control. METHODS: Subjects (n = 38) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind study where they were assigned to one of three daily treatments: 15 g maltodextrin; 7.5 g maltodextrin plus 7.5 g resistant maltodextrin (Fibersol-2; Matsutani Chemical Company, Hyogo, Japan); and 15 g resistant maltodextrin. The experiment lasted 7 wk and consisted of a 2 wk baseline period, a 3 wk treatment period, and a 2 wk washout period. During wk 3 to 5 (treatment period), subjects consumed their assigned treatments. RESULTS: Resistant maltodextrin supplementation tended to increase (p = 0.12) fecal Bifidobacterium populations during the treatment period, altered (p < 0.05) bacterial populations from baseline to treatment, and resulted in very minor effects in gastrointestinal tolerance. There was a shift (p < 0.05) in molar proportions of SCFA towards butyrate, the preferred energy substrate of colonocytes. CONCLUSION: Resistant maltodextrin supplementation was well tolerated, resulted in favorable fermentation characteristics in the large bowel, and also resulted in a change in bacterial populations.

In vitro fermentation characteristics of selected glucose-based polymers by canine and human fecal bacteria.

This research evaluated fermentation characteristics (short-chain fatty acid [SCFA] production, pH, and gas production) resulting from fermentation of glucose-based carbohydrates using canine (n = 3) and human (n = 3) fecal inoculum. Substrates included lyophilized canine ileal digesta containing maltodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, high molecular weight (MW) pullulan (MW 100000), or low MW pullulan (MW 6300) obtained from an in vivo experiment. Fermentation for 6 and 10 h with human fecal microflora resulted in higher gas and SCFA production than did canine fecal microflora. High MW pullulan fermentation resulted in the highest (p < 0.05) gas production and lowest (p < 0.05) pH for both dogs and humans. Total SCFA production was highest (p < 0.05) for low MW pullulan fermented by canine microflora, and for gamma-cyclodextrin, high MW pullulan, and low MW pullulan fermented by human microflora. Differences were noted in fermentation characteristics of substrates present in ileal digesta.

Expanding the scope of the turnover flap.

BACKGROUND: Turnover flaps are often utilized as alternatives to more traditional flaps, especially in situations where traditional flap viability is limited. Most turnover flaps are currently used in the lower extremities. METHODS: This study examined the senior author's use of the turnover flap in 103 cases between 1987 and 2004. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 months to 10 years, with an average follow-up of 9 months. RESULTS: The majority (n = 90) of the cases involved the lower extremities and carried high success rates; there were 72 successful operations (complete graft take), 10 partial flap losses (partial graft take that could be treated postoperatively without surgery), and eight complete flap losses (no graft take and the necessity of additional surgery). Three of the partial flap losses and two of the complete flap losses involved patients with end-stage vascular disease. End-stage vascular disease cases represented 20.0 percent of the lower extremity cases and carried a significantly higher percentage of partial or complete flap loss (27.8 percent). These circumstances were examined in detail; the authors found that the turnover flap provided improved outcome to such end-stage patients who otherwise would have undergone amputation. In 13 cases, turnover flaps were utilized in nontraditional regions, such as the chest wall, abdominal wall, head and neck region, and upper extremities, with a high degree of success (zero partial or complete flap losses). These approaches are discussed in detail. The surgical approach is examined with recommendations regarding preferred wound size and type and overall flap design. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that turnover flaps are effective and useful as an alternative and, in some cases, primary procedure. In addition, the results serve to expand the present scope of the turnover flap by examining nontraditional regions in which the flap was highly successful. The authors believe the turnover flap should be given higher priority as a reconstructive option, but more research is needed to explain the sources of blood supply in these flaps.

Effects of lactoferrin supplementation on ileal and total tract nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal microbial populations, and immune characteristics of ileal cannulated, healthy, adult dogs.

Orally supplemented lactoferrin derived from bovine milk is purported to have beneficial effects on gut health of animals. Bovine lactoferrin (0, 60, or 120 mg/d) was fed to ileal cannulated, adult dogs in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design with 14 d periods. Control dogs tended (p = 0.06) to have higher fecal DM concentrations compared with dogs supplemented with 120 mg/d lactoferrin (34.5 vs. 32.9%). Fecal scores ranged from 3.0 - 3.3, suggesting that feces of all dogs was near the desired consistency, with dogs supplemented with 120 mg/d lactoferrin tending (p = 0.08) to have higher fecal scores. Ileal azoreductase activity tended (p < 0.10) to be higher in dogs supplemented with 60 or 120 mg/d lactoferrin (609 vs. 592 nmol/h per g ileal DM, respectively) as compared with unsupplemented dogs (272 nmol/h per g ileal DM). The following bacterial groups were measured: bifidobacteria, Campylobacter spp., Clostridium spp., eubacteria, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. Fecal streptococci concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) for dogs receiving 60 mg/d lactoferrin (8.60 log10 cfu/g fecal DM) as compared with unsupplemented dogs (9.19 log10 cfu/g fecal DM) or dogs receiving 120mg lactoferrin/d (9.43 log10 cfu/g fecal DM). Dogs supplemented with 120mg/d lactoferrin tended (p = 0.08) to have higher fecal indole concentrations as compared to unsupplemented dogs (1.80 vs. 1.46 micromol/g fecal DM). Because most bacterial groups measured were unaffected, it appears that lactoferrin did not exhibit prebiotic activity, and based on the data collected, lactoferrin also did not appear to have major effects on indices of health in the dog.

Influence of supplemental high molecular weight pullulan or gamma-cyclodextrin on ileal and total tract nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, and microbial populations in the dog.

This study was conducted to determine if supplemental pullulan and gamma-cyclodextrin affect canine nutrient digestibility, microbial populations, and fecal characteristics. Ileal cannulated dogs were fed a commercial diet, and treatments were administered daily in a 5 x 5 Latin square design: (i) no supplement; (ii) 2 g pullulan; (iii) 4 g pullulan; (iv) 2 g gamma-cyclodextrin; (v) 4 g gamma-cyclodextrin. Ileal and fecal samples were collected the last 4 d of each 14-d period. Increasing pullulan tended (p < 0.10) to linearly increase ileal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and quadratically increase fecal lactobacilli. A similar response was noted in ileal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli with gamma-cyclodextrin. Gamma-Cyclodextrin resulted in a quadratic decrease (p < 0.05) in fecal Clostridium perfringens. Increasing pullulan linearly increased (p < 0.05) fecal score, while gamma-cyclodextrin resulted in a linear decrease (p < 0.05). Pullulan and gamma-cyclodextrin supplementation may have beneficial effects on the microbial ecology of dogs.

Salvage of infected prosthetic grafts of the great vessels via muscle flap reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The infection of an aortic prosthetic graft presents a difficult challenge for surgeons. Conservative treatments such as debridement and antibiotic irrigation routinely fail, and patient survival rates are low. Literature has indicated that flap procedures often provide better treatment. In the present article, we report our experience utilizing pectoralis major muscle flaps, occasionally coupled with latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, and/or serratus anterior flaps, to wrap infected grafts and fill dead space. PATIENTS: Between 1990 and 2004, 10 patients were brought to our attention with infections of prosthetic grafts of the great vessels (7 men and 3 women; mean age, 53 years). Infections in nine patients involved an ascending aortic graft, while one patient had an infected pulmonary artery graft. DESIGN: Following diagnosis and exploration, an initial debridement is performed, followed by 48 h of antibiotic irrigation. A definitive muscle flap procedure is then utilized to fill dead space and clear the infection, followed by an appropriate antibiotic regimen. RESULTS: The infections in all 10 patients were cleared using the muscle flap procedure. Two patients required a tapered-dose regimen of oral steroids, one of whom also required a secondary flap procedure due to the advanced stage of infection. Two other patients later died due to unrelated complications; however, autopsies revealed that operative sites had healed successfully. Patients were followed up for a period of 2 months to 2 years, and recurrence was not found. CONCLUSIONS: Our outcomes suggest that muscle flap procedures, specifically utilizing the pectoralis major and regional muscles, should be kept in mind in the management of life-threatening infections of aortic grafts. Due to the limited number of patients in this study, we feel more research with a larger volume of cases is warranted.

Pullulans and gamma-cyclodextrin affect apparent digestibility and metabolism in healthy adult ileal cannulated dogs.

Pullulan and gamma-cyclodextrin are incompletely digestible, glucose-based, nonstructural carbohydrates synthesized by microorganisms. To determine their effect when incorporated into a complete liquid diet on ileal and total tract nutrient digestibility, ileal cannulated dogs (n = 8) were used in a repeated 4 x 4 Latin-square design. Twice daily, diets were offered containing 30% (DMB) maltodextrin, high-molecular-weight (MW) pullulan (MW 100,000), low-MW pullulan (MW 6300), or gamma-cyclodextrin. Fecal and ileal samples were collected for the last 4 d of each 10-d period. Dogs consuming high-MW pullulan had lower (P < 0.05) dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, fat, carbohydrate ileal and total tract digestibilities, and fecal DM, and higher (P < 0.05) fecal output and fecal scores (indicating looser stools). To evaluate glycemic and insulinemic responses to pullulans, food-deprived dogs consumed 25 g maltodextrin, high-MW pullulan, or low-MW pullulan in a repeated 3 x 3 Latin-square design. Glucose and insulin responses were determined for 180 min. Consumption of 25 g alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrin resulted in regurgitation within 60 min. High-MW pullulan reduced (P < 0.05) blood glucose concentration at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Compared with maltodextrin, low-MW pullulan and gamma-cyclodextrin did not alter nutrient digestibilities or fecal characteristics to any extent, and low MW pullulan did not affect glycemic response. Although high MW pullulan decreased glycemic response, consumption of large amounts negatively affected nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics.

Amino acid, carbohydrate, and fat composition of soybean meals prepared at 55 commercial U.S. soybean processing plants.

To quantify variation in U.S. soybean meals (SBM), samples were collected from 55 U.S. soybean (SB) processing plants located in seven of the geographic SB maturity zones at three time points. These samples were analyzed for crude and acid-hydrolyzed fat, oligosaccharide, and amino acid concentrations. Acid-hydrolyzed fat concentrations were poorly correlated (r = 0.28) to crude fat concentrations and were higher for SBM prepared in the southern zones (V-VII) as compared with the northern zones (I and II). Raffinose and verbascose concentrations were lowest (P < 0.05) for SBM prepared in northern maturity zones, while stachyose concentrations were highest for SBM prepared in central maturity zones (III and IV). Total essential, total nonessential, and total amino acid concentrations were lowest for SBM prepared in northern zones. There was variation in oligosaccharide and amino acid concentrations over time, probably due to variation in composition of SB arriving at the plants within maturity zone.

Resistant starch as related to companion animal nutrition.

Companion animal diets may contain up to 50% starch, derived from cereal grains. The amount of resistant starch (RS) in an ingredient depends on the origin and form of the ingredient and on the processing conditions to which the ingredient has been exposed. Extrusion has proven to be a means of optimizing utilization of starch by companion animals. Although the RS fraction of starch typically decreases by extrusion, retrogradation can result in increased concentrations of this fraction. Limited research exists regarding the effects of RS in companion animal nutrition and gastrointestinal health. Existing in vitro and in vivo research indicates that certain RS sources are readily fermented in the large bowel, producing short-chain fatty acids, whereas others are less fermentable, resulting in excellent laxation properties. Feeding dogs a diet high in RS may result in an increase in fecal bulk due to an increased excretion of microbial matter in those cases where RS is highly fermentable, or to indigestibility of the RS source in other cases. RS has a role to play as a potential proxy for dietary fiber, especially for those companion animals fed diets high in protein and fat and devoid of traditional dietary fiber.

Evaluation of sodium bisulphate and phosphoric acid as urine acidifiers for cats.

Eighteen cats were used to compare the urine acidifying properties of sodium bisulphate to phosphoric acid. Acidifying agents were added at one of three concentrations (0.4, 0.6, or 0.8%, as-is basis). Cats were offered a commercial diet to determine basal urinary pH, and then again for a 1 week period between blocks 1 and 2. Cats were acclimated to the diets for 6 days, and urine samples were collected on day 7 at 0, 4, and 8 h postfeeding to obtain pre- and postprandial urinary pH. Intakes of diets containing sodium bisulphate tended (P < 0.07) to be lower than intakes of diets containing phosphoric acid. Cats consuming the 0.8% phosphoric acid diet had higher (P < 0.05) food intakes than cats consuming either the 0.4 or 0.6% phosphoric acid-containing diets. There was significant (P = 0.01) linear and quadratic response for food intake in cats consuming the sodium bisulphate-containing diet. Cats consuming the 0.4 and 0.8% phosphoric acid-containing diets tended (P = 0.07) to have higher water intakes than cats consuming the 0.6% phosphoric acid-containing diet. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in urine pH and specific gravity between cats fed the different acidifier types. Cats consuming the 0.6% phosphoric acid-containing diet tended (P = 0.07) to have a higher urine pH 8 h post-feeding than cats consuming the 0.4 and 0.8% phosphoric acid-containing diets. Urine pH was highest at 4 h post-feeding except for cats fed the 0.4% sodium bisulphate- and the 0.6% phosphoric acid-containing diets. No differences (P > 0.05) between acidifiers were found in faecal score or in faecal dry matter and organic matter concentrations. A quadratic response was detected in faecal score for cats consuming the phosphoric acid-containing diets. Cats consuming the 0.6% phosphoric acid diet tended (P = 0.06) to have a lower faecal score than cats consuming the 0.4 and 0.8% phosphoric acid diets. For faecal dry matter, a linear trend was detected in cats consuming the sodium bisulphate (P = 0.08) and phosphoric acid-containing (P = 0.04) diets. Sodium bisulphate and phosphoric acid generally behaved in a similar fashion when incorporated in dry cat diets.