ExeGi Pharma announced positive results from a recent study conducted at the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) in Munich, Germany and the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University. The study evaluated the impact of Visbiome Vet probiotic consumption on dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS). The placebo-controlled, blinded trial found that dogs administered the probiotic experienced significantly faster clinical recovery over the 21 days of the trial. Dogs in the treatment group also demonstrated higher concentrations of healthy microbes and significantly lower quantities of the pathogenic bacterium Clostridium perfringens.
Visbiome Vet is a high potency, eight-strain, probiotic, which has been the subject of numerous recent clinical publications in companion animals. The clinical team, led by Anna-Lena Ziese MedVet, aimed to see if altering the gut microbial community with probiotics could help alleviate AHDS symptoms. AHDS is a common issue for many dogs, with a predisposition in small dog breeds. While the etiology is not well understood, an abundance of C. perfingens and associated toxins are thought to be key contributors. AHDS manifests itself with acute onset of hemorrhagic diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal pain. The massive loss of fluids may be life threatening if left untreated.
Similar to humans, animals are host to a complex ecological community consisting of trillions of microorganisms. This community is commonly referred to as the microbiome. The microbiome consists of good and bad bacteria that live inside and outside the body. These bacteria exist in a beneficial and symbiotic relationship with the host and may impact a number of physiological, immunological and nutritional processes in dogs. Some probiotics have been shown to alter the gut microbiome for potential health benefits. Visbiome Vet is distinguishable from other veterinary probiotics due to its very high concentration, cold-chain storage and shipping, and unique multi-bacterial blend.
This new study from colleagues in Germany and Texas is an important step in understanding how probiotics can help manage severe gastrointestinal issues in dogs,
said Dr. Frederic Gaschen, a small animal internal medicine specialist from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
While a number of studies in recent years have investigated the effects of probiotics in various conditions, this is the first study documenting a clinically perceivable beneficial effect in AHDS.
Visbiome Vet is available exclusively through veterinarians and veterinary pharmacies. The study abstract can be found at – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30261077