Dysbiosis and Chronic Enteropathies as Interrelated Clinical Syndromes: Insights into Pathophysiology and Therapy

Presentation Description / Summary: Chronic enteropathies (CE) occur very common in dogs and cats, and are frustrating to treat due to lack of specific markers. The pathophysiology is complex and includes changes in the immune system, intestinal function, and the intestinal microbiome. The current classification based on treatment response (ie, food-, steroid-responsive) is currently being questioned amongst gastroenterologists, as new research findings indicate that CE is a progressive syndrome with many overlapping unspecific features, often with chronic irreversible changes in intestinal function and dysbiosis. The presentation will summarize novel research about the pathophysiology and novel concepts in multi-modal therapy to these conditions. The presenter team will cover both findings from academic research and clinical experience from specialty practice.

Learner Outcomes: 1. understand metabolic changes in chronic GI disease and why diet should be always the first choice 2. learn about single vs multimodal therapy in CE 3. learn about pros and cons of different treatment approaches such as diets, antibiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation