Effect of probiotic formulation containing Bacillus spp. on diarrhoea in dogs

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of probiotic formulation containing Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 (1 billion) and Bacillus subtilis UBBS14 (1 billion) on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC 4083) induced diarrhoea in dogs. Twenty mongrel dogs (Indian), aged between 1.7 – 2 years (average weight 21.37 ± 3.64 kgs) were kept for one week for acclimatization prior to induction of diarrhoea with E. coli (EPEC 4083). After induction of diarrhoea, the dogs were treated with either probiotic or placebo sachets for 10 days. During the treatment period, time for resolution of diarrhoea, faecal consistency, faecal E.coli count and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in faeces were assessed. Body dehydration and haematology parameters were also assessed during the treatment. Probiotic treatment significantly resolved the duration of diarrhoea (~3 days) as compared to placebo treated dogs (~8 days). There was also a significant improvement in stool consistency in the probiotic treated group as compared to placebo. There was no evidence of dehydration in the probiotic treated dogs. Additionally, probiotic treatment significantly reduced faecal EC count (2.8 × 108 CFU/g faeces at baseline to 2.5 × 107 CFU/g at the end of treatment.) as compared to control (2.5 × 108CFU/g faeces at baseline to 1.0 × 108 CFU/g). Short chain fatty acids-acetate, propionate and butyrate levels in faeces were also elevated in the probiotic treated group as compared to placebo. Haematology parameters remained normal in both the groups. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the efficacy of B. coagulans and B. subtilis in the treatment of diarrhoea in dogs.