Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fenofibrate effects on gut and inflammation in diabetic dogs
By O'Kell, Allison L et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2025·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Effect of Fenofibrate on Markers of Gut Barrier Function in Dogs With Naturally Occurring Diabetes Mellitus.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 16 dogs with diabetes was treated with fenofibrate, a medication that helps improve gut health and lower fat levels in the blood. After 21 days, the dogs showed significant reductions in triglycerides and cholesterol, which are important for overall health. However, fenofibrate did not improve blood sugar control or reduce inflammation in the pancreas. While the short-term effects were safe, the improvements in gut function and fat levels could potentially help reduce the risk of pancreatitis and gastrointestinal issues in the long run.
People also search for: dog diabetes treatment · fenofibrate for dogs · dog pancreatitis prevention · diabetic dog diet · improving gut health in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fenofibrate improves gut barrier function and reduces serum lipids in purpose-bred dogs with induced diabetes mellitus (DM), but its effects in dogs with naturally occurring DM are unknown. OBJECTIVES: Determine the effects of fenofibrate on markers of systemic and pancreatic inflammation, markers of gut barrier function, lipoprotein profiles, and glycemic control in dogs with naturally occurring DM. ANIMALS: Sixteen client-owned dogs with naturally occurring, uncomplicated DM. METHODS: Longitudinal cohort study. Dogs were treated with fenofibrate (Tricor, 6-10 mg/kg, P.O., once daily) for 21 days. Interstitial glucose, serum cytokines, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), pancreatic lipase, and lipid profiles were compared between baseline and day 21 using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Fenofibrate had no effect on glycemic control, serum cytokines, or serum pancreatic lipase. Compared to baseline, the concentrations of serum LPS decreased at day 21 by (mean ± SD) 15 ± 24% (95% CI 2-28%, p = 0.03), serum triglycerides decreased by 36 ± 39% (95% CI 15-56%, p = 0.002), and serum cholesterol decreased by 20 ± 14% (95% CI 12-28%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Fenofibrate treatment was not associated with a decrease in markers of systemic or pancreatic inflammation. In diabetic dogs, short-term fenofibrate treatment appears to be safe, and the improvement in gut barrier function and lipid profiles might lead to long-term benefits, such as reduction in pancreatitis risk and frequency of signs of gastrointestinal disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40384217/