Published in Animals, this study by Verena Habermaass and colleagues examined how chronic hepatobiliary disease (CHD) affects the intestinal microbiome (GM) in dogs. In human medicine, the gut–liver axis is recognized as a key player in the pathophysiology of liver diseases. This study applied similar principles to veterinary medicine, assessing how liver dysfunction in dogs influences the microbial ecosystem of the gut.
The research prospectively enrolled 65 dogs diagnosed with CHD, excluding those treated with antibiotics or probiotic supplements to ensure unaltered microbial profiles. Clinical evaluations included blood chemistry, liver function tests, and imaging for cholestasis (impaired bile flow). Fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize bacterial composition and diversity.
The findings revealed that dogs with cholestatic CHD exhibited profound microbiome alterations. Beneficial bacterial genera such as Clostridium hiranonis, Fusobacterium, Megamonas, Ruminococcus faecis, and Turicibacter were markedly reduced, while opportunistic bacteria like Escherichia/Shigella and Serratia increased. These changes suggest that disrupted bile secretion and composition can directly influence gut microbial balance, promoting dysbiosis.
The authors propose that bile acids act as critical regulators of microbial diversity, and their alteration in liver disease may foster inflammatory and metabolic disturbances in the intestine. This reciprocal interaction—the gut–liver axis—implies that gastrointestinal and hepatic health are deeply interconnected, with microbial dysbiosis potentially exacerbating liver dysfunction.
Clinically, the study urges veterinarians to consider the gut–liver connection when managing canine hepatobiliary diseases. Approaches that support both liver function and microbial balance, including dietary management and targeted probiotic use, may enhance outcomes for dogs with chronic liver conditions.
Source: Habermaass, V., Olivero, D., Gori, E., Mariti, C., Longhi, E., & Marchetti, V. (2023). Intestinal Microbiome in Dogs with Chronic Hepatobiliary Disease: Can We Talk about the Gut–Liver Axis? Animals, 13. Published October 1, 2023.
