Elemental Diets in Dogs

Hello, Summarians!

Here are a few more nutrition studies that should be of interest. Also, a nice study of CBD attributes.

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Salt and Gastric Mucosa in Horses

This study investigated the impact of sodium chloride (NaCl) supplementation on the gastric mucosa, acid-base, and mineral status in exercising Warmblood horses. The context is rooted in the prevalence of gastric ulcerations in horses, especially in sports and racehorses, with various risk factors including dietary choices and stress. Previous studies indicated potential risks with high salt intake in both humans and animals, raising concerns about its effects in horses. 

In this study, 15 three-year-old Warmblood horses were given a NaCl pelleted supplement for 19 days. The initial prevalence of gastric mucosal lesions was 83.33%, but the NaCl treatment did not lead to any significant adverse effects. This contrasts with earlier studies where gastric lesions increased with high-frequency salt supplementation. 

The research also addressed the importance of electrolyte supplementation in horses, particularly during exercise. The study's NaCl pellet was designed to replace the salt lost in 10 liters of sweat and was well accepted by the horses. Despite concerns about high salt intake in other species leading to health issues, the lower percentage of NaCl used in this study (1.2% of the total diet) appeared to be safe. 

Other aspects of horse management and diet were also considered, such as the impact of forage intake and the influence of paddock access on ulceration prevalence. The study noted that the horses only had limited paddock access, which might have contributed to the prevalence of ulcerations observed. 

Overall, the study concluded that NaCl supplementation in the form of pellets did not negatively impact the gastric mucosa or the acid-base and mineral status of the horses. It presents a safe and effective method for compensating for electrolyte losses in horses, especially during exercise. The study recommends the use of palatable NaCl pellets in horses to compensate for electrolyte losses in sweat, suggesting that even a longer supplementation period would not harm the gastric mucosa. 

Alshut, F, Venner, M, Martinsson, G, Vervuert, I. The effects of feeding sodium chloride pellets on the gastric mucosa, acid-base, and mineral status in exercising horses. J Vet Intern Med. 2023; 37(6): 2552-2561. doi:10.1111/jvim.16851 

Bottom line — No negative side effects noted.

Elemental Diet for Chronic GI Issues in Dogs

Chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs is a condition marked by persistent gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and poor appetite. Dietary therapy is a key part of managing CE, with significant improvement seen in many dogs following dietary changes. This includes diets like hydrolyzed protein, limited ingredient, and fat-restricted diets. Compared to other treatments like antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs, dietary therapy tends to offer longer-lasting remission. 

Elemental diets (EDs), which provide protein in the form of individual amino acids along with other necessary nutrients, are another dietary option. These diets are designed to be nonimmunogenic and easily absorbed. In human medicine, similar diets are used for exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), particularly in pediatric Crohn's disease, leading to reduced disease activity and improved growth. While CE in dogs and Crohn's in humans are not the same, both involve disruptions in host/microbiome interactions and intestinal epithelial barrier function. 

In a clinical trial involving 23 dogs with inadequately-controlled CE, a novel diet from Purina (ProPlan Veterinary Diets EL) was tested. This diet provides protein exclusively from individual amino acids. The trial aimed to see if at least 60% of dogs would achieve clinical remission after eating this diet for at least two weeks, with evaluations also conducted at the 8-week mark. The study also looked at the diet's impact on clinical and biochemical disease manifestations, including changes in the fecal microbiome. 

 Manchester, AC, Dow, S, Chow, L, Gagne, J, Lappin, MR. Efficacy of an elemental diet in achieving clinical remission in dogs with chronic enteropathy. J Vet Intern Med. 2023; 37(6): 2322-2333. doi:10.1111/jvim.16846 

Bottom line — Early results support this as a beneficial protocol

Genetic screening for canine olfactory ability

Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is a common neurological condition in dogs, characterized by recurrent seizures with genetic or unknown origins. Managing IE often involves antiseizure drugs (ASDs) like phenobarbital and potassium bromide, but these can be ineffective for up to 30% of dogs and have adverse effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive component of cannabis, has shown potential in managing seizures, with previous studies in humans and rodents demonstrating its effectiveness. However, research in dogs has been limited. 

This study aimed to explore the role of CBD in managing drug-resistant IE in dogs. It was a double-blinded crossover trial where dogs received either CBD or a placebo. Results showed a 24.1% decrease in seizure days for dogs on CBD compared to a 5.8% increase for those on placebo. Although total seizures increased in both groups, the rise was significantly less in the CBD group. 

Interestingly, higher doses of CBD (9 mg/kg/day) resulted in significantly greater CBD concentrations in the blood than lower doses (5 mg/kg/day), but the relationship between CBD concentration and seizure control remains unclear. No significant changes in ASD concentrations were observed with CBD administration. However, CBD did cause increases in liver enzymes ALP and ALT, suggesting potential liver impact, particularly at higher doses. 

The most common adverse effects reported by owners were decreased appetite and vomiting. The study also highlighted the challenges in maintaining consistency in CBD oil composition, especially with full-spectrum products containing various phytocannabinoids and terpenes. 

In conclusion, the study found that CBD can significantly reduce seizure days in dogs with drug-resistant IE, with generally mild adverse effects. It didn't show a clear therapeutic plasma concentration of CBD for seizure control, indicating a need for further investigation, particularly regarding its interaction with ASDs like phenobarbital and its effects on liver function. The study underscores CBD's potential as an anticonvulsant and the importance of careful monitoring, especially for liver enzyme activity and bile acid concentrations, when used chronically in dogs. 

Rozental, AJ, Weisbeck, BG, Corsato Alvarenga, I, et al. The efficacy and safety of cannabidiol as adjunct treatment for drug-resistant idiopathic epilepsy in 51 dogs: A double-blinded crossover study. J Vet Intern Med. 2023; 37(6): 2291-2300. doi:10.1111/jvim.16912 

Bottom line — Seems to be an effective strategy in some cases.

Just putting things in perspective …