Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Immune system problems in dog and cat intestines explained
By Allenspach, Karin·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2011·Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical immunology and immunopathology of the canine and feline intestine.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
The immune system in the intestines of dogs and cats plays a crucial role in protecting them from harmful germs while also being able to accept the good bacteria and food they consume. Researchers have made significant strides in understanding how certain dog breeds, like German shepherds, may be genetically more likely to develop inflammatory bowel disease, which is a condition that causes inflammation in the intestines. The study also highlights various immune markers that could help veterinarians diagnose and manage this disease more effectively. Overall, this research aims to improve our understanding and treatment of intestinal issues in pets.
Abstract
The mucosal immune system is at the forefront of defense against invading pathogens, but at the same time, it must maintain tolerance toward commensals and food antigens in the intestinal lumen. The interplay between the innate immune response and commensal microorganisms is essential to maintaining this balance. Great progress has been made in identifying some of the genetic predispositions underlying inflammatory bowel disease in certain breeds, such as the German shepherd dog. Several immunologic markers are discussed with respect to their clinical usefulness in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21486640/