Gluten Free Diet Helps OCD dog ???

Hello, Summarians!

I’m sure we have all heard about the gluten issues with people. Does it apply to dogs too? I’ll let you read and watch this case report….

Please give me feedback on ways I can make it more useful to you.

If it is valuable to you please consider sending it on to a friend 😄 

Apomorphine Risks in Dogs

This study aimed to evaluate the risks and adverse events associated with inducing emesis in dogs of varying facial conformations, particularly focusing on brachycephalic breeds, which are known for their short noses and flat faces, and have been linked to several health issues. The research investigated whether these breeds experienced higher rates of complications when emesis was induced, due to their known anatomical abnormalities that could predispose them to issues like aspiration pneumonia. The study also examined if the reason for inducing emesis, such as toxin or foreign body ingestion, influenced the risk of adverse events. 

Contrary to concerns, the study found no significant difference in the rate of complications among brachycephalic dogs compared to mesocephalic and dolichocephalic breeds. Complications from emesis induction were rare across all groups and were not associated with the dog's facial conformation. Most dogs in the study had emesis induced due to potential toxin ingestion, but the type of toxin and its effects on the risk of complications could not be thoroughly assessed due to the retrospective nature of the study and the lack of detailed data on the specific toxins ingested. 

While brachycephalic dogs were more likely to be presented to hospitals for toxin ingestion, this did not result in higher complication rates, suggesting that the facial conformation does not increase the risk of adverse events from emesis induction. However, the study acknowledged limitations due to its retrospective design and suggested that further prospective research is needed to assess the risks of spontaneous emesis and possible delayed complications after discharge. 

In conclusion, inducing emesis using apomorphine in dogs for reasons such as toxin or foreign body ingestion was found to be safe with very low complication rates, and no increased risk was observed in brachycephalic breeds compared to others. This finding challenges the anecdotal concerns regarding the safety of emesis induction in brachycephalic dogs but calls for more detailed, prospective studies to fully understand the risks associated with different types of emesis and potential delayed complications. 

Harkins, A. E., Iswara, A. T., Jackson, K. A., Low, J. W. L., Napier, E. C., & Hickey, M. C. (2024). Minimal adverse events occur when inducing emesis with apomorphine in brachycephalic, mesocephalic, and dolichocephalic dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 262(3), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.08.0472 

Bottom line — typically low complication rate.

Gluten Sensitivity Causing Fly Catching Syndrome

A 6-year-old neutered male French Bulldog was referred for episodes of apparent air-biting and spinning, first occurring a year prior but intensifying in frequency over the last two months. The dog exhibited these behaviors across various environments and situations, with episodes lasting several minutes but could be interrupted by distraction. Despite chronic gastrointestinal issues, the dog's physical and neurological examinations were largely unremarkable, leading to a preliminary diagnosis of fly-catching syndrome (FCS), a condition considered under the umbrella of obsessive-compulsive disorders in dogs. Serological tests revealed elevated levels of anti-gliadin IgG and anti-transglutaminase-2 IgA, suggesting a possible gluten sensitivity. 

Treatment involved switching the dog to a gluten-free diet without other medications. Remarkably, this dietary change led to a significant reduction in episode frequency, with only one episode reported in the first month post-diet change, and subsequent resolution of both the FCS episodes and gastrointestinal symptoms. 

This case highlighted the potential association between FCS and gluten sensitivity in dogs, suggesting that dietary management could be an effective treatment for FCS linked to gastrointestinal discomfort. The findings indicate a need for further research into the pathogenesis of FCS and its possible connection to diet and gastrointestinal health, proposing serological testing for gluten sensitivity as a valuable diagnostic tool in cases of FCS. The absence of an MRI of the brain is noted as a limitation, although such imaging is not typically part of the diagnostic protocol for FCS, mirroring practices in human medicine with conditions like Sandifer syndrome. This case contributes to the evolving understanding of FCS and introduces dietary management as a potential primary intervention for certain cases. 

Galli, G., Uccheddu, S., & Menchetti, M. (2024). Fly-catching syndrome responsive to a gluten-free diet in a French Bulldog. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 262(3), 1-3.  https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.09.0515 

Bottom line — May need to consider for all OCD-related cases

Eye Infections and Dental Disease

This study investigated the presence and impact of oral bacteria on the conjunctival microbiota in dogs, focusing on the comparison between brachycephalic (short-skulled) and nonbrachycephalic breeds. It was discovered that the conjunctival sac of dogs typically harbors a diverse range of bacteria, with gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus being the most prevalent. This microbial community plays a crucial role in maintaining ocular health by regulating the growth of potential pathogens. 

In brachycephalic dogs, the anatomical and morphological characteristics, such as shorter cranial lengths and larger palpebral fissures, increase the risk of their tongues contacting the eyes and potentially transferring oral bacteria to the conjunctiva. The study found a significantly higher incidence of oral bacteria in the conjunctiva of brachycephalic dogs compared to nonbrachycephalic dogs, with F canicola being the most common oral bacterium identified. 

Diet and dental health were also noted as factors that could influence the oral microbiome, with dry food feeding associated with healthier oral microbiota. The study suggests that oral bacteria, when present in the conjunctiva, can contribute to ocular diseases, although the dogs in this study with oral flora in their conjunctiva did not show signs of ocular disease beyond mild hyperemia in one case. 

The presence of oral bacteria in the conjunctiva was influenced by several factors, including the dog's age, cranial facial ratio, and gingival inflammation, indicating the complex interplay between systemic health, oral hygiene, and ocular health. The study highlights the importance of regular dental exams and proactive dental care, particularly for brachycephalic dogs, to mitigate the risk of ocular diseases potentially caused by oral bacteria. Future research should expand on these findings with larger sample sizes and employ more detailed microbiome analysis techniques to further understand the relationship between oral and conjunctival microbiotas. 

Shin, S., Seo, K., Lee, G. Y., Yang, S., & Kim, S. E. (2024). Oral bacteria may affect conjunctival microorganisms in brachycephalic dogs: a preliminary study. American Journal of Veterinary Research https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.23.11.0260 

Bottom line — Consdier prophy for chronic eye infection pets.

Just putting things in perspective …

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