Veterinary Medicine - December 2008 - (Page I2)

Iams Insider BETTER BEGINS INSIDE ™ Client education When recommending that a patient begin probiotics, first make sure that the client understands the benefits behind beneficial bacteria. To some clients, the word bacteria has a negative connotation. They frequently associate bacteria with disease instead of treating disease. To overcome hesitation toward probiotic use and to accent the appealing properties of probiotics, provide clients with these three facts. • Probiotics have been used for many years with an overall excellent safety record.1 • Few, if any, side effects have been reported with probiotic use, while antibiotics can have a number of recognized adverse effects.2 • As a pet ages, its levels and diversity of naturally occurring beneficial bacteria begin to decline while less favorable bacteria increase, creating an opportunity for benefits from probiotic supplementation.3 Above: Electron micrograph of canine-derived Biﬁdobacterium animalis. barrier function and compete with pathogens for sites. Anti-pathogenic and immune-enhancing effects Effective probiotics limit the colonization of undesirable bacteria in several ways. Probiotics can limit harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract by occupying necessary attachment sites and absorbing essential nutrients. Probiotics can also produce inhibitory substances such as organic acids (lactic, acetic, butyric), to regulate undesirable bacteria. The inhibition of the production or action of bacterial toxins has also been demonstrated by probiotics.1 Besides producing antipathogenic substances, some probiotics can produce immuneenhancing substances. Among the numerous groups of beneﬁcial bacteria, there are those that can effectively utilize fermentable dietary ﬁbers, such as fructooligosaccharides and beet pulp. Bacterial fermentation of these ﬁbers produces short-chain fatty acids and lactate, which are the preferential fuel for enterocytes, which line the intestine. Health beneﬁts associated with higher densities of probiotics capable of producing these substances include enhancement of enteric and systemic immune systems, management of gastrointestinal disease, increased absorption of minerals, and improved stool characteristics.2 It is through the combination of these characteristics that the full range of probiotic beneﬁts to the gastrointestinal tract is achieved. However, it is now recognized that the effects of probiotics may extend well beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Many of these extra-gastrointestinal effects appear to be related to changes in the immune system from probiotic use. Supplementation with probiotics has the potential to provide beneﬁt to pets with a range of conditions, and research will only continue to further deﬁne the optimal uses of probiotics in pets. References 1. Ishibashi N, Yamazaki S. Probiotics and safety. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73): 465-470. 2. Reid G. In defense of probiotics. ASM News 2000;66:261. 3. Benno Y, Nakao H, Uchida K, et al. Impact of the advances in age on the gastrointestinal microﬂora of beagle dogs. J Vet Med Sci 1992;54:703-706. References 1. Strompfova V, Marcinakova M, Simonova M, et al. Application of potential probiotic Lactobacillus fermentim AD1 strain in healthy dogs. Anaerobe 2006;12:75-79. 2. Buddington RK, Buddington KK, Sunvold GD. The use of fermentable bers to manage the gastrointestinal tract. In: Reinhart G, Carey D, eds. Advances in canine and feline nutrition. Orange Frazer Press, 2000;169-179.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Veterinary Medicine - December 2008

Veterinary Medicine - December 2008 Contents Letters Thanking Our Valued Reviewers Practical Matters Idea Exchange Why Do Dogs and Cats Eat Grass? Managing Atypical and Critical Cases of Primary Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs Behaviors Suggestive of Postoperative Pain in Cats What to Consider When Considering Digital Radiography Avoid Common Bandaging Mistakes in Dogs and Cats IMHA: Diagnosing and Treating a Complex Disease CE Form/Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - December 2008

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