Association of clinical characteristics and lifestyle factors with fecal S100/calgranulin concentrations in healthy dogs.

Background: Fecal S100/calgranulin (S100A12 and calprotectin) concentrations are useful markers of gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs. In people, fecal S100/calgranulin concentrations are affected by age, obesity, diet and other lifestyle factors. Knowledge about the effects of such factors on fecal S100/calgranulin concentrations in dogs is currently scarce.

Fecal markers of inflammation, protein loss, and microbial changes in dogs with the acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS).

Background: Idiopathic acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) is characterized by acute onset of bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, and increased vascular and intestinal mucosal permeability. Markers of gastrointestinal inflammation, protein loss, and changes in the intestinal microbiota have not been studied extensively in dogs with AHDS.

Key Findings: For 3 consecutive days, feces were collected from dogs with AHDS, and assayed for calprotectin and S100A12 (both markers of inflammation), α -proteinase inhibitor (a marker of gastrointestinal protein loss), and the presence of selected species of bacteria.