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Journal for Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology and Biosafety

Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2026, Pages 30–38

ISSN 2411-3174 (print version) ISSN 2411-0388 (online version)

FUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE INTESTINE IN DOGS WITH MALABSORPTION SYNDROME FED A BUTYRATE-ENRICHED THERAPEUTIC DIET

Chilobok O. S.

State Biotechnological University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, e-mail: sanjakhlbk5@gmail.com

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Citation for print version: Chilobok, O. S. (2026) ‘Functional state of the intestine in dogs with malabsorption syndrome fed a butyrate-enriched therapeutic diet’, Journal for Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology and Biosafety, 12(1), pp. 30–38.

Download PDF (online version)

Citation for online version: Chilobok, O. S. (2026) ‘Functional state of the intestine in dogs with malabsorption syndrome fed a butyrate-enriched therapeutic diet’, Journal for Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology and Biosafety, 12(1), pp. 30–38. DOI: 10.36016/JVMBBS-2026-12-1-4.

Summary. Malabsorption syndrome is a common clinical condition in dogs characterized by chronic disturbances in digestion and absorption, intestinal dysfunction, and impaired intestinal mucosal barrier function. This condition leads to a gradual decline in the animal’s nutritional status. Under these circumstances, dietary management strategies that maintain intestinal function and stabilize its morphofunctional characteristics are crucial. The study aimed to assess the functional state of the intestines of dogs with malabsorption syndrome fed a therapeutic diet containing butyrate, using clinical, laboratory, and instrumental indicators. The study was conducted on dogs with clinically confirmed malabsorption syndrome of various etiologies. The animals’ condition was assessed based on an analysis of clinical manifestations, hematological and biochemical blood test results, intestinal ultrasound, and coprological examination. The obtained parameters were analyzed over time during dietary feeding with a butyrate-containing therapeutic food. In the context of feeding butyrate-containing therapeutic feed, dogs showed favorable clinical outcomes, characterized by reduced frequency and severity of diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort, improved feed tolerance, and stabilization of appetite. Laboratory indicators were characterized by a trend toward normalization of the hematological profile, improved protein metabolism, increased cobalamin levels, and decreased markers of low-grade inflammation. Ultrasound examination revealed a reduction in reactive changes in the intestinal wall and stabilization of intestinal motility. Coprological studies indicated improved feed digestibility, reduced mucus and undigested components, and decreased dysbiosis. The data obtained indicate that the functional state of the intestine in dogs with malabsorption syndrome against the background of the use of butyrate containing therapeutic diets is characterized by positive clinical, laboratory, and instrumental changes, confirming the advisability of using such diets in dietary management to support intestinal barrier function and normalize intestinal homeostasis.

Keywords: dietary therapy, butyrate salts, short-chain fatty acids, barrier function

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