Research Article Open Access

Supplementation with Fermented Milk Containing Milk Phospholipids Improves the Enteric Environment and Skin Conditions of Dogs with Allergic Skin Disorders

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota is a diverse ecological system that modulates the enteric environment and affects the health of the host. Supplementation with fermented materials containing probiotics, prebiotics and biogenics is a promising strategy to control intestinal microbiota; however, there have been few attempts to demonstrate the efficacy of fermented products in veterinary medicine. In this study, we investigated whether a new active supplement originated from fermented milk can improve the enteric environment and skin conditions of dogs with skin disorders, including dry skin, mild eczema, and pruritus. Nine dogs were subjected, and either a supplement containing fermented milk with milk phospholipids (MPL) or a placebo was administered for 4 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, the treatment protocol of the groups was switched. We found that the amount of indole and acetic acid in faeces were significantly reduced in the dogs that received supplements containing fermented milk with MPL compared to the dogs that received the placebo. The pruritus visual analog scale score, which reflects itch behaviors, was also improved. The results indicated that supplementation of fermented milk with MPL improved the enteric environment by reducing abnormal decomposition, and improved the skin conditions of dogs with allergic skin disorders

Yosuke Amagai, Kaoru Karasawa, Masashi Morifuji, Taketo Yamaji, Hiroshi Matsudaand Akane Tanaka

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