Comparison of the precursor, amino acid oxidation, and end-product methods for the evaluation of protein turnover in senior dogs.

Stable isotope methods have been used to study protein metabolism in humans; however, there application in dogs has not been frequently explored. The present study compared the methods of precursor (13C-Leucine), end-products (15N-Glycine), and amino acid oxidation (13C-Phenylalanine) to determine the whole-body protein turnover rate in senior dogs. Six dogs (12.7 ± 2.6 years age, 13.6 ± 0.6 kg bodyweight) received a dry food diet for maintenance and were subjected to all the above-mentioned methods in succession. To establish 13C and 15N kinetics, according to different methodologies blood plasma, urine, and expired air were collected using a specifically designed mask. The volume of CO2 was determined using respirometry. The study included four methods viz. 13C-Leucine, 13C-Phenylalanine evaluated with expired air, 13C-Phenylalanine evaluated with urine, and 15N-Glycine, with six dogs (repetitions) per method. Data was subjected to variance analysis and means were compared using the Tukey test (P<0.05). In addition, the agreement between the methods was evaluated using Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman statistics. Protein synthesis (3.39 ± 0.33 g.kg-0,75. d-1), breakdown (3.26 ± 0.18 g.kg-0.75.d-1), and flux estimations were similar among the four methods of study (P>0.05). However, only 13C-Leucine and 13C-Phenylalanine (expired air) presented an elevated Pearson correlation and concordance. This suggested that caution should be applied while comparing the results with the other methodologies.

ß-glucans from Euglena gracilis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae effects on immunity and inflammatory parameters in dogs.

Considering the differences in molecular structure and function, the effects of ß-1,3-glucans from Euglena gracilis and ß-1,3/1,6-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on immune and inflammatory activities in dogs were compared. Four diets were compared: control without ß-glucans (CON), 0.15 mg/kg BW/day of ß-1,3/1,6-glucans (Β-Y15), 0.15 mg/kg BW/day of ß-1,3-glucans (Β-S15), and 0.30 mg/kg BW/day of ß-1,3-glucans (Β-S30). Thirty-two healthy dogs (eight per diet) were organized in a block design. All animals were fed CON for a 42-day washout period and then sorted into one of four diets for 42 days. Blood and faeces were collected at the beginning and end of the food intake period and analysed for serum and faecal cytokines, ex vivo production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO), phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), ex vivo production of IgG, and faecal concentrations of IgA and calprotectin. Data were evaluated using analysis of covariance and compared using Tukey's test (P<0.05). Dogs fed Β-Y15 showed higher serum IL-2 than dogs fed Β-S30 (P<0.05). A higher phagocytic index of monocytes was observed in dogs fed the B-S15 diet than in those fed the other diets, and a higher neutrophil phagocytic index was observed for B-S15 and B-Y15 than in dogs fed the CON diet (P<0.05). Monocytes from dogs fed B-S15 and B-S30 produced more NO and less H2O2 than those from the CON and B-Y15 groups (P<0.05). Despite in the reference value, CRP levels were higher in dogs fed B-S15 and B-S30 diets (P<0.05). ß-1,3/1,6-glucan showed cell-mediated activation of the immune system, with increased serum IL-2 and neutrophil phagocytic index, whereas ß-1,3-glucan acted on the immune system by increasing the ex vivo production of NO by monocytes, neutrophil phagocytic index, and serum CRP. Calprotectin and CRP levels did not support inflammation or other health issues related to ß-glucan intake. In conclusion, both ß-glucan sources modulated some immune and inflammatory parameters in dogs, however, different pathways have been suggested for the recognition and action of these molecules, reinforcing the necessity for further mechanistic studies, especially for E. gracilis ß-1,3-glucan.

Hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal in extruded diets for cats.

Hydrolysed proteins have been shown to be potential ingredients in cat diets due to their high digestibility, presence of bioactive peptides, and relatively low antigenicity. The effects of the substitution of conventional low ash poultry byproduct meal (PBM) with hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal (HPM) as a protein source were evaluated in extruded cat diets. Five diets with similar nutrient contents were formulated: a control (CO) diet based on PBM and 4 diets with different inclusions of HPM (5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, on an as-fed basis) replacing PBM as the protein source. The total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, faecal characteristics and microbial fermentation products, urine production and pH, nitrogen balance and urea renal excretion were evaluated using 30 healthy cats (15 males and 15 females; 4.18 ± 0.86 kg; 4.17 ± 1.38 years old), with 6 cats per diet in a complete randomised block design. When significant differences were found with the F test, the effects were evaluated by polynomial contrasts according to HPM inclusion (p < 0.05). The CTTADs of DM (89 ± 0.41%), CP (90 ± 0.36%), fat (93 ± 0.41%) and gross energy (90 ± 0.33%) were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). The faecal production, score, short-chain fatty acids and ammonia concentration were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). Isobutyric, isovaleric, valeric, and total branched-chain fatty acid contents increased quadratically (p < 0.05), with the highest level in the faeces of cats fed the diet with 20% HPM. Lactate concentration in faeces increased linearly with the inclusion of HPM (p < 0.05). Urine characteristics and urea renal excretion did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). At 10% inclusion, HPM tended to increase the nitrogen retention of cats (p = 0.083), which may reflect the higher tryptophan, methionine, lysine, and available lysine contents of HPM in comparison to PBM. The inclusion of up to 30% HPM can be considered in cat formulations without affecting nutrient digestibility or faecal and urine characteristics. HPM tended to increase nitrogen retention and increased branched-chain fatty acids in faeces, aspects which deserves further studies.

High starch intake favours body weight control in neutered and spayed cats living in homes fed ad libitum.

Different starch-to-protein ratios were compared among neutered and spayed domiciled cats. Male and female obese and non-obese cats were fed kibble diets ad libitum for 4 months high in starch (HS (38 % crude protein (CP)): starch 32 %, protein 38 %; DM basis) or high in protein (HP (55 % CP): starch 19 %, protein 55 %) but similar in energy and fat in a crossover design. Physical activity was evaluated using an accelerometer, and body composition (BC), energy expenditure (EE) and water turnover (WT) using the doubly labelled water method. Results were compared in a 2 diet × 2 sex × 2 body condition factorial arrangement. Cats fed the HS (38 % CP) diet maintained a constant body weight, but lean mass (LM) tended to be reduced in female obese but to be increased in male non-obese (P < 0·08) and increased in female non-obese cats (P = 0·01). The HP (55 % CP) diet induced an increase in cat body weight and LM (P < 0·05) without altering BC proportion. EE tended to be higher in males (351 (se 8) kJ/kg0·67/d) than females (330 (se 8) kJ/kg0·67/d; P = 0·06), was unaffected by diet or BC, decreased as age increased (R 2 0·44; P < 0·01) and increased as physical activity increased (R 2 0·58; P < 0·01). WT was higher for the HP (55 % CP) diet (P < 0·01) and increased with EE (R 2 0·65; P < 0·01). The HS (38 % CP) diet favoured body weight control during 4 months of ad libitum feeding. Caution is necessary to balance protein in diets of female obese cats over 5 years, as they may have low energy and food intake, with LM loss.

Intake of energy, protein, amino acids and minerals by dogs under energy restriction for body weight loss when fed with commercial weight loss diets.

This retrospective study evaluated energy and nutrient intake of dogs in a weight loss programme. Ninety-four obese dogs were divided into three groups: G5-15: from 5% to 15% body weight (BW) loss (n = 55); G155-25: from 15.1% to 25% BW loss (n = 29); and G > 25: more than 25.1% BW loss (n = 10). Five brands of kibble diets designed for weight loss were analysed for crude protein, amino acids, fat, dietary fibre, and minerals. The food metabolizable energy (ME) was estimated (NRC, 2006). Data were compared inside each group using the paired t test and between groups with analysis of variance and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The BW loss (weeks in regimen) was: G5-15, 9.8% ± 2.7% (13.5 ± 5.7 weeks); G15-25, 17.5% ± 2.7% (22.6 ± 11.9 weeks); G > 25, 30.0% ± 2.1% (50.4 ± 17.4% weeks; p < 0.01). The mean weekly BW loss rate was similar between groups (0.8% ± 0.3%; p > 0.05) but was higher during the first (0.96.6% ± 0.5%) than in the second (0.64% ± 0.4%) half of the regimen (p < 0.01). At beginning ME intake for BW loss did not differ (251.6 ± 32.2 kJ/kg0.75 /day), but it was lower for G > 25 in the second half of the regimen (230.3 ± 44.3; p = 0.02). Considering the observed ME intake of each dog, depending on the commercial product, intake below recommended for maintenance was verified for crude protein in 1%-20% of the dogs, methionine in 4%-38% of dogs, methionine plus cystine in 4%-22% of dogs, tryptophan in 7%-93% of dogs, potassium in 2%-85% of dogs and magnesium in 1% up to 95% of dogs. Although the diets presented elevated nutrient concentrations per MJ, due to the reduced energy allowance, the estimated intake of several nutrients was lower than the recommendations, highlighting the importance of changing the formulation perspective, which must prioritize the actual nutrient intake per kg of BW during the energy deficit.

Effects of crude protein and sodium intake on water turnover in cats fed extruded diets.

The comprehension of strategies to increase urine production may be important, especially in kibble diets to prevent urolithiasis in cats. The effects of increasing amounts of crude protein (CP) and sodium on the water turnover of cats were evaluated using the water balance (WB) method and the deuterium dilution technique. The study followed a randomized block design, with three blocks of eight cats, two cats per food type in each block, and six cats per food. Four extruded diets with different amounts of CP and sodium were evaluated (on DM basis): 28% CP and 0.58% sodium; 39% CP and 0.64% sodium; 52% CP and 0.76% sodium; and 64% CP and 0.87% sodium. Cats were individually housed in cages for 8 days to measure WB, urea excretion, and faecal and urine characteristics. Deuterium oxide was used to evaluate water turnover, and during the period cats were housed in a collective cattery. The data were analysed by an F test, and the means were compared by polynomial contrasts. The ɑ level of significance was set at 0.05. The methods were compared by Pearson correlation, and Bland and Altman analysis. The increase in the CP content elevated linearly the renal excretion of urea (p < .001), and, together with the higher sodium intake, elevated the renal solute load, which resulted in a linear increase in urine production and water intake (p < .01). The urine density, metabolic water, and faecal and insensible water losses did not differ (p > .05). The water flux increased linearly when using the deuterium method (p < .001), but the obtained values were 20.85 ± 11.11 ml/cat/day higher than those verified using the WB method (p = .001). Higher CP and sodium amounts in dry diets increased the urine production and water consumption of cats, and this can be explored as a possible option to increase urination.

Validation of saliva and urine use and sampling time on the doubly labelled water method to measure energy expenditure, body composition and water turnover in male and female cats.

Less invasive protocols are necessary to study energy expenditure (EE) of cats living in homes for expressing their normal living conditions. The present study compared sampling times and the use of saliva, urine and blood to measure 2H and 18O to apply the doubly labelled water method. In the first study, four cats were used to evaluate the enrichment (2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 h) and elimination (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 d) of 2H and 18O (subcutaneously injected). The maximum enrichment was after 5 h (R2 0·82) of injection, with an Ln linear elimination of both isotopes (P < 0·001; R2 0·99). The results of EE were similar, regardless of the sampling time used (P = 0·999). In the second study, seven male cats and seven female cats were used. Before and after isotope injection (5 h, 7 d, 10 d and 14 d), blood, saliva and urine were collected. Isotope enrichment was lower in urine (P < 0·05) and at the similar level in blood and saliva. Isotope elimination was similar for all fluids (P < 0·473). The EE calculated with blood and saliva was similar but higher for urine (P = 0·015). According to Bland-Altman statistics, blood and saliva presented low bias and high correlation (P < 0·001), but this was not observed for urine (P = 0·096). Higher EE was observed for male cats (384 (se 39) kJ/kg0·67 per d) than for female cats (337 (se 34) kJ/kg0·67 per d; P < 0·05). The sampling time for the method is flexible, and saliva can be used as a substitute for blood.

Clinical value of carcinoembryonic antigen in mammary neoplasms of bitches.

This study aimed at evaluating the behaviour and understanding the diagnostic value of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in bitches with mammary carcinoma as a tool for monitoring and prognosis of canine cancer patients. Serum samples from 77 bitches were divided into four groups, G1 (n = 21), control group (healthy/neoplasia free bitches); G2 (n = 31), bitches with non-metastatic mammary carcinoma less than 3 cm; G3 (n = 12), bitches with non-metastatic mammary carcinoma greater than 3 cm; and, G4 (n = 13) bitches with mammary carcinoma and lymph node metastasis. The marker was dosed once in G1, whereas in G2, G3 and G4, CEA levels were determined before (M0) and 15 days after (M1) mastectomy, using the ELISA kit for humans while reading used ELISYS ONE human. A group of 11 bitches was followed up 45 days after mastectomy (M2). The results for the concentration of markers in blood serum samples at the evaluated times and their relationship with neoplasia biological behaviour and observed clinicopathological changes were evaluated by the Tukey test at 5% significance. The ROC curve was established to find the cut-off value and calculate the test sensitivity and specificity, the multivariate matching analysis was performed to confirm the association between CEA values and clinicopathological variables. CEA values increased significantly in bitches with mammary carcinoma, metastatic tumours with a diameter larger than 3.0 cm and high grade, compared with healthy ones. In addition, mastectomy reduced the CEA concentration in the blood (P < .05) whereas high CEA levels were associated with unfavourable prognostic factors (P < .05). The biomarker presented good diagnostic value, especially for more aggressive tumours. In conclusion, CEA serum concentrations allowed to follow efficiently the evolution of mammary tumours in bitches, since CEA values increased in bitches with mammary gland tumour and decreased after mastectomy while correlating with prognostic factors such as tumour size, nodal metastasis and histological grade. Further studies are still needed to confirm its diagnostic value for follow-up of relapse and early metastasis.

Dissolution of struvite urolith by means of nutritional management and antibiotic therapy in dogs: case report / Dissolução de urólito de estruvita por meio de manejo nutricional e antibioticoterapia em cão: relato de caso

A urolitíase é doença frequente que acomete o trato urinário dos animais de companhia. O urólito de estruvita é o tipo mais frequentemente em cães. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de dissolução de urólito de estruvita em bexiga urinária por meio de manejo dietético e antibioticoterapia, que apresentou resolução satisfatória. Um cão, fêmea, castrada, de 8 anos, da raça pequinês, foi atendida apresentando sinais clínicos compatíveis com infecção do trato urinário inferior e confirmados na urinálise com a presença de hematúria, piúria e bacteriúria e cultura urinária de 100.000 UFC de Staphylococcus sp. Ao exame radiográfico simples, constatou-se a presença de várias estruturas radiopacas, caracterizando urólitos, sendo a maior medindo 1,26 x 1,63 cm na vesícula urinária. Como tratamento foi instituído antibiotioticoterapia com Cevofecina 8 miligramas por quilograma de peso corporal por via subcutânea a cada 15 dias por 60 dias de acordo com o resultado do antibiograma e, como prescrição nutricional, utilizada dieta comercial seca formulada para dissolução de cálculos de estruvita. O animal foi radiografado no primeiro dia de atendimento, no segundo e no terceiro mês de acompanhamento, verificando-se redução progressiva do tamanho dos urólitos, não havendo evidências radiográficas e sombra acústica ao ultrassom na bexiga urinária após 70 dias de tratamento. A combinação de adequada antibioticoterapia e dieta calculolítica promoveu a dissolução total dos urólitos, não se fazendo necessário intervenção cirúrgica no paciente.(AU)

Urolithiasis is a frequent disease that affects urinary tract of animals companion. Struvite urolith is the most frequent type in dogs. The aim of this work is to report a dissolution case of struvite urolith in the urinary bladder through management diet and antibiotic therapy, which presented a satisfactory resolution. A female, spayed, eight years old, Pekingese breed dog was attended presenting clinical signs compatible with lower urinary tract infection and confirmed with hematuria, bacteria and urinary bacteria of 100,000 UFC of Staphylococcus sp. At the simple radiographic examination, a new presence of x-rays was detected, characterizing uroliths, being larger measuring 1.26 x 1.63 cm in the urinary vesicle. As a treatment antibiotiotic therapy with Cevofecin 8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight was administered subcutaneously every 15 days for 60 days according to the result of the antibiogram. The nutritional prescription was dry diet formulated for the dissolution of struvite stones. The animal was analyzed on the first day of care, in the second and third months of follow-up, with a progressive reduction in urolith size, no radiological evidence, and acoustic shadow on ultrasound in the urinary bladder after 70 days of treatment. The combination of antibiotic welcome and diet calculator promoted a complete dissolution of the urinary effects, did not become necessary non-patient surgical intervention.(AU)

Dissolution of struvite urolith by means of nutritional management and antibiotic therapy in dogs: case report / Dissolução de urólito de estruvita por meio de manejo nutricional e antibioticoterapia em cão: relato de caso

A urolitíase é doença frequente que acomete o trato urinário dos animais de companhia. O urólito de estruvita é o tipo mais frequentemente em cães. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de dissolução de urólito de estruvita em bexiga urinária por meio de manejo dietético e antibioticoterapia, que apresentou resolução satisfatória. Um cão, fêmea, castrada, de 8 anos, da raça pequinês, foi atendida apresentando sinais clínicos compatíveis com infecção do trato urinário inferior e confirmados na urinálise com a presença de hematúria, piúria e bacteriúria e cultura urinária de 100.000 UFC de Staphylococcus sp. Ao exame radiográfico simples, constatou-se a presença de várias estruturas radiopacas, caracterizando urólitos, sendo a maior medindo 1,26 x 1,63 cm na vesícula urinária. Como tratamento foi instituído antibiotioticoterapia com Cevofecina 8 miligramas por quilograma de peso corporal por via subcutânea a cada 15 dias por 60 dias de acordo com o resultado do antibiograma e, como prescrição nutricional, utilizada dieta comercial seca formulada para dissolução de cálculos de estruvita. O animal foi radiografado no primeiro dia de atendimento, no segundo e no terceiro mês de acompanhamento, verificando-se redução progressiva do tamanho dos urólitos, não havendo evidências radiográficas e sombra acústica ao ultrassom na bexiga urinária após 70 dias de tratamento. A combinação de adequada antibioticoterapia e dieta calculolítica promoveu a dissolução total dos urólitos, não se fazendo necessário intervenção cirúrgica no paciente.

Urolithiasis is a frequent disease that affects urinary tract of animals companion. Struvite urolith is the most frequent type in dogs. The aim of this work is to report a dissolution case of struvite urolith in the urinary bladder through management diet and antibiotic therapy, which presented a satisfactory resolution. A female, spayed, eight years old, Pekingese breed dog was attended presenting clinical signs compatible with lower urinary tract infection and confirmed with hematuria, bacteria and urinary bacteria of 100,000 UFC of Staphylococcus sp. At the simple radiographic examination, a new presence of x-rays was detected, characterizing uroliths, being larger measuring 1.26 x 1.63 cm in the urinary vesicle. As a treatment antibiotiotic therapy with Cevofecin 8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight was administered subcutaneously every 15 days for 60 days according to the result of the antibiogram. The nutritional prescription was dry diet formulated for the dissolution of struvite stones. The animal was analyzed on the first day of care, in the second and third months of follow-up, with a progressive reduction in urolith size, no radiological evidence, and acoustic shadow on ultrasound in the urinary bladder after 70 days of treatment. The combination of antibiotic welcome and diet calculator promoted a complete dissolution of the urinary effects, did not become necessary non-patient surgical intervention.