News from research - 2. oktober 2011

Feline constipation can be managed through a psyllium-enriched extruded diet

The efficacy of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Fibre Response Feline in the management of recurrent feline constipation, obstipation and megacolon, was assessed on 40 client-owned cats from clinics across Canada.

Constipation can be defined as infrequent, difficult or absent defecation associated with faecal retention in the colon and rectum. The dietary management of constipation, obstipation and megacolon in cats is either based on a high fibre diet (total dietary fibre >20% on an as fed basis) or on highly digestible, low fibre diets supplemented with various soluble fibre sources, including psyllium or canned pumpkin.

Physical and chemical properties of dietary fibre can vary considerably. High levels of insoluble fibres, such as cellulose, might not be as efficient in chronic feline constipation and could exacerbate the clinical signs.

#2 - October 2011

Forty neutered cats with a history of chronic constipation, obstipation or megacolon completed the trial. Cases had been on a variety of diets and treatments including lactulose (for 77.5% cats) and cisapride (for 63% cats). All of the cats underwent a complete clinical examination and did not have an impacted colon prior to introduction of the trial diet.

Intro Science and Observation!

Does innovation belong to a small team of strange scientists who work in a dark office where nobody can have access except them? Not in Royal Canin! This is not our way of thinking. Actually, it is in the blood of all the people of the company and in yours as well! Thanks to the network built by the people of Royal Canin included your sales representative, we catch everyday numerous feedback from our partners. Our daily contacts are the main source of information which help us to develop breakthroughs in dog and cat nutrition.

The diet was a moderate fibre, psyllium enriched, dry extruded diet (Royal Canin Fibre Response Feline). Faecal scores and body weights were recorded at the beginning, mid-point and end of the 2 months -study. Faecal quality was assessed with a 5-point scale: a score of 1 represented hard dry faeces and a score of 5 represented liquid faeces*.

The mean age was 8.38 +/- 4.3 years. All cats showed improvement in faecal scores: Mean faecal score at the beginning of the trial was 1.23 +/- 0.55 (with a median score of 1) and mean faecal score at the end of the trial was 2.6 +/- 0.55 (with a median score of 3). Body weight remained stable, and none of the cats showed episodes of constipation over the study period. By the end of the trial, 14 cats were off lactulose and 11 were off cisapride; in addition, 4 and 3 of the remaining cats had a reduction in the dosage of lactulose and cisapride respectively.

The psyllium-enriched extruded dry diet used in this clinical study proved to be very effective in the management of constipation, obstipation and even megacolon.

Decreased need for medications, surgery and euthanasia was also noted.

Effect of Fibre Response diet on feacal score T0 Mean faecal score* (range) Median faecal score*

After 2 months

1.23 (0.68-1.78)

2.6 (2.05-3.15)

1

3

*: This faecal scale is inversed compared to the faecal score generally used in Royal Canin research and development center. Score 1 means constipation, score 5 means liquid diarrhoea.

Freiche VG , Houston D, Weese H, Evason M, Deswarte G, Ettinger G, Soulard Y, Biourge V, German AJ. Uncontrolled study assessing the impact of a psyllium-enriched extruded dry diet on faecal consistency in cats with constipation. J of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2011, in press

Intestinal

This new issue of News From Royal Canin Research perfectly illustrates our sources of innovation: Science and Observation. You will find some scientific discoveries linked purely with the world of Science as the article on hyperuricosuria in dogs. Another linked with Observation with first results coming from the amazing job done by Aurélien Grellet and the team at UMES (Breeding and Sport Medicine Unit – Vet University of Maisons-Alfort) on weaning diarrhoea in puppies.

Marie-Anne Hours (Scientific Support Manager - R&D) & Gregory Casseleux (Scientific Communication Manager - Europe)

Faecal score in puppies depends on age and breed

A poor faecal score for a Westie can be normal for a Labrador. A new scoring system allows to assess puppy faecal scores while taking into account the age and breed size.

© ROYAL CANIN SAS 2011. All Rights Reserved -Credits : F. Duhayer,Y. Lanceau, J.M. Labat

Intestinal

In puppies, age and body size are physiological factors susceptible to affect quality of stools. Significantly higher faecal moisture, without effect on faecal score, was described in puppies after the weaning period compared to adult dogs1 and a lower faecal quality before the weaning period was observed in toy breed dogs.

Large breeds, such as German Shepherd or Great Danes have higher faecal moisture, an increased frequency of soft stools and an increased number of defecations compared to small breeds.

Gastrointestinal viruses and parasites will also have an impact on puppy faeces quality. The effect of pathogens (canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, intestinal parasites) can be masked or possibly overestimated if the physiological factors influencing faeces quality are not evaluated simultaneously.

Determination of a poor faecal score, depending on the breed size and the age of the dog Small breed puppies (adult body weight < 25 kg) Large breed puppies (adult body weight > 25 kg)

4-5 weeks

6-8 weeks

≤6

≤7

≤5

≤5

For large breed dogs a faecal score ≤ 5 was defined as poor.

A faecal score ≤ 6 and ≤ 7 was defined as poor in small breed puppies at respectively 4 to 5 and 6 to 8 weeks of age. This study shows for the first time an objective definition of a poor faecal score based on an impairment of the average daily gain.

This faecal scoring system could be a new indicator to compare the effect of intestinal pathogens on faecal quality, whatever the age and breed size of puppies.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of faeces quality on puppies’ average daily gain. Quality of stools was assessed in 177 small and large growing dogs aged from 5 to 8 weeks through a 13 points faecal scale. A poor faecal score was defined as the highest faecal score associated with a significant reduction in average daily gain.

As expected, faecal score of small breed puppies increased with age whereas no effect was observed in large breed puppies.

During the weaning period (6-8 weeks), small breeds had higher faecal score than large breeds.

Grellet A, Feugier A, Grandjean D. Development of a new faecal scoring system in puppies. Proc of the 21th ECVIM-CA Congress. Sevilla, September 2011:p234-235.

1: Weber M, Martin L, Biourge V, et al. Influence of age and body size on the digestibility of a dry expanded diet in dogs. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2003;87:21-31.

Phosphatemia (mmol/l)

Azotemia (mmol/l)

1.8

25

Validation of the efficacy of Royal Canin Renal Special Feline through a field trial 1.6

Renal

1.6

1.4

1.29

1.2 1

0.98

0.8

The cats were followed over a 4 to 61.6months 1.6 period. They were 1.41 1.4 maintained in their home environment,1.4and owners were instructed 1.29 1.2 1.18 1.15 to feed Royal Canin Renal Special Feline.

Response to treatment 1 0.98 0.96 0.89 was assessed periodically through 0.8 measures of creatininemia, 0.6 urea and plasma phosphate, total and 0.4 ionised calcium, systolic blood pressure, parathormone (PTH),0.2as well as urine protein to 0 creatinine ratios.

T0 T1 T2 pre-diet

after 4 to 6 weeks

after 4 to 6 months

On the 27 cats recruited, 13 proved to be compliant over the Creatininemia (µmol/l) duration of the study. After 4 to 6 weeks treatment, 100 % of those 300 cats had reached the targeted phosphatemia (<1.45 mmol/l).

252.7 250 250.5 Azotemia was also significantly reduced when compared246,7 to 208 207 200 199.5 pre-treatement value.

150

165.5

161.3

100

152.3

These data confirm previous results1 on dietary management of 50 chronic renal failure and suggest that control of creatininemia, 0 plasma phosphate and plasma PTH can bepre-diet achieved by feeding T0 T1 T2 after 4 to 6 after 4 to 6 weeks months Royal Canin Renal Special Feline.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Special Feline composition:

KEY VALUES (on an as fed basis) Protein Fat Carbohydrate Dietary fibre Minerals Omega 3 Omega 6 EPA + DHA Calcium Phosphorus Sodium Measured energy

26 % 17 % 33.3 % 10.2 % 6.1 % 0.79 % 3.21 % 0.42 % 0.6 % 0.44 % 0.3 % 3 998 kcal/kg

0.89

0.96

16.43

15

12.8

5

0.2

Effect of Renal Special diet on objective parameters: T0 T1 T2 0

(means +/- SD)

pre-diet

Phosphatemia (mmol/l) Phosphatemia (mmol/l) 1.8

1.8

1.6

1.6

1.4

1.4

1.2

1.2

1

1

0.8

0.8

0.6

0.6

0.4

0.4

0.2

0.2

0

0

1.6

1.6

1.29

1.29

0.98

T0

0.98

T1

T0

25

250 20

20

1.41

1.4

1.4

1.15

1.15

1.18

1.18

0.89

0.89

0.96

200 15

0.96

150 10 100

10

5 50

5

0

0

T2

T2

pre-diet pre-diet after 4 toafter 6 4 to 6after 4 toafter 6 4 to 6 weeks weeks months months

300

246,7 19.51 246,7

250

250

199.5 199.5 15.57

200

200

152.3 152.3 11.63

150

150

250 20

250.5 20.06 250.5

252.7 252.7

200

200 15

208

150 100

150 10 100

17.78 207 207 14,63 161.3 161.3 11.48

100

100

50

5 50

50

50

0

0

0

0

T1

T0

T2

T1

T2

12.8 165.5 12.8

250 200

152.3 11.63 11.63

150 100 50

T0

T1

T0

T2

T1

0 T2

284.6 284.6

168.1 168.1

168

168

106.4 106.4 51.6

T0

T0

51.6

44.8 T1

15.57

14,63

11.63

Do Dalmatians have the exclusivity of hyperuricosuria?

Mutant allele frequencies were assessed on 127 breeds, including the 20 most common breeds T1 T2 registered by the American Kennel Club. after 4 to 6 weeks

after 4 to 6 months

Parathormone (pg/ml)

199.5 15.57 15.57

Hyperuricosuria consists in the excessive excretion of uric acid 284.6 in the urine. This condition predisposes dogs to urate urolithiasis.

The mutation that causes canine hyperuricosuria was previously identified 168.1 168 in three unrelated dog breeds (the Dalmatian, Bulldog, and Black Russian Terrier) but the occurrence of the mutation in 106.4 additional breeds was not determined.

51.6 The aim44.8of this study was to identify additional breeds that have mutation and to estimate the mutant allele T0 the hyperuricosuria T1 pre-diet after 4 to 6 weeks frequency in those breeds.

A total of 3530 dogs from 127 different breeds were screened for the hyperuricosuria mutation.

Mutant allele frequencies that range from 0.001 to 0.15 were identified in the American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd Dog, Giant Schnauzer, Parson (Jack) Russell Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Large Munsterlander, Pomeranian, South African Boerboel, and Weimaraner breeds.

On 76 Weimaraner tested, 12 were carriers and 5 were affected. Estimated carriers in population was 25,41%.

44.8

T1

pre-diet pre-diet after 4 toafter 6 4 to 6 weeks weeks

Parathormone (pg/ml) 300

pre-diet

246,7 19.51 19.51

Parathormone (pg/ml)(pg/ml) Parathormone 300

250

T0

17.78 17.78 207 14,63 14,63 161.3 11.48 11.48

208 16.43 16.43

Creatininemia (µmol/l) Azotemia (mmol/l) Creatininemia (µmol/l)

pre-diet pre-diet 6 4 6 4 pre-diet after 4 toafter after 4 to to 6 6after 4 toafter after 4 to to 6 6 weeks weeks months months weeks months

252.7

250.5 20.06 20.06

pre-diet pre-diet after 4 toafter 6 4 to 6after 4 toafter 6 4 to 6 weeks weeks months months

25 300

208 16.43

T0

after 4 to 6 months

300

15

300

165.5 12.8 165.5

0

Azotemia (mmol/l) Creatininemia (µmol/l) Azotemia (mmol/l) 25 300

1.41

T1

after 4 to 6 weeks

19.51

17.78

11.48

10

0.4

Phosphatemia (mmol/l)

1.8

1.18

0.6

To assess the acceptability and the efficacy of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Special Feline, a study was conducted by Prof. Jonhatan Elliott in the Renal Research Clinic at the Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.

Twenty seven cats were recruited, showing: • A history and clinical signs compatible with a diagnosis of CKD; •Two creatininemia measured 2 weeks apart that would correspond to stages II or III on IRIS* classification; • A systolic blood pressure < 170 mm Hg, either without treatment or following stabilization on amlodipine treatment.

1.4

1.15

Urinary

20.06

20

1.41

284.6

250

* IRIS: International Renal Interest Society

The mutant allele frequencies vary among breeds and can be used to determine an appropriate breeding plan for each breed. A DNA test is available and may be used by breeders to decrease the mutant allele frequency in breeds that carry the mutation. Veterinarians may also use the test as a diagnostic tool to identify the cause of urate urolithiasis.

Karmi N, Brown EA, Hughes SS, McLaughlin B, Mellersh CS, Biourge V, Bannasch DL. Estimated frequency of the canine hyperuricosuria mutation in different dog breeds. J Vet Inter Med 2010; 24 : 1337-1342

For more information on tests developed to help breeders eliminate inherited diseases: http://faculty.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/faculty/dlbannasch/lab/projects.htm

200

168.1 168 with naturally occurring chronic renal failure: effect of dietary management.

1: Elliott J et al.

Survival of cats 150 J Small Anim Pract 2000; 41:235-242 106.4

100 51.6

50

44.8

Obesity

Weight loss diets should be enriched in nutrients

0 T0

pre-diet

T1

after 4 to 6 weeks

There is high variability in the degree of caloric restriction required to achieve successful weight loss or to maintain optimal weight in dogs with low energy requirements. Depending on the diet selected and the degree of caloric restriction, dogs may be at risk of nutritional deficiency.

The purpose of this study was to determine nutrients at risk of deficiency during caloric restriction in commercially available canine diets with varying caloric density. Five canine diets (two therapeutic weight loss diets and three over-the-counter diets), were chosen to represent a range of caloric density (from 3000 to 4240 kcal/kg). Caloric density and typical nutrient analysis for protein, amino acids, fat, minerals, and vitamins were obtained from manufacturers and used to calculate nutrient intake for a hypothetical dog fed at varying levels of energy restriction: • 40 % resting energy requirement (28 kcal/kg0.75 ) (considering the dog’s current weight) • 60 % resting energy requirement (42 kcal/kg0.75) • 80 % resting energy requirement (56 kcal/kg0.75) • 100 % resting energy requirement (70 kcal/kg0.75) These amounts were compared to National Research Council

(NRC) recommended nutrient allowances. The five diets evaluated varied widely in terms of which nutrients were below NRC recommended levels and the degree of restriction required for them to be at risk of deficiency. Four of the five diets had at least one essential nutrient fall below NRC recommended amounts at 100% RER* and all diets had multiple nutrients below the recommended amounts at 60% RER. Choline was among the nutrients most affected by caloric restriction in the diets evaluated, but others, such as methionine, tryptophan, and magnesium also were low in some diets with minimal caloric restriction.

These results suggest that caloric restriction could lead to potential nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, specially formulated, nutrient-dense diets may be needed in animals during weight loss or in animals with low energy requirements.

Further testing is however needed to determine actual nutrient requirements in dogs that are energy restricted, and whether clinical nutrient deficiencies actually arise in vivo.

Source: Linder DE, Freeman LM, Morris PJ, German AJ, Biourge V, Heinze CR. Evaluation of risk for nutritional deficiency with caloric restriction. Proc of 11th Annual Clinical Nutrition and Research Symposium, Denver, June 2011: 15 RER = Resting Energy Requirements NRC = National Research Council