1. C L I N I C A L E D U C A T I O N F O R N A T U R A L P E T H E A L T H
Interview with
Dr Kersti Seksel
Nutraceuticals
for osteoarthritis
Nutrition for skin,
hair and claw
News, education
and events
Autumn 2015 Vol 4
The entrails of animals are
again revealing secrets
GUTS
THE RIGHT

2. 2 | Autumn 2015 Vol 4 Clinical Education for Natural Pet Health 3
Contents
3 Research Update
Latest evidence and research on natural diet and
animal medicines from the bioscience literature
4 Cover Story: The right guts
Genomic sequencing is unravelling mysteries of the gut
in small animals – its interplay with the immune system
and our interdependence with its microbial population.
How does probiotic therapy with commensal bacteria
affect GI disease, metabolism and health?
7 Analysis & Opinion: Joint ventures
A 2012 international review of supplements for
improving clinical signs of osteoarthritis – updated
with evidence published since
8 Treatment: The high-gloss finish
The proteins, lipids and micronutrients necessary
for healthy coat, skin and nail health are reviewed
for their roles and whether there’s evidence for their
supplementation
10 Interview: Seksel’s success
As a leading veterinary specialist in behavioural
medicine, Dr Kersti Seksel is at the forefront of
companion animal welfare advocacy and explaining
what makes them tick. She looks into how nutrition
and supplementation can affect behaviour
11 Education
Meetings and opportunities to network, train,
study and learn
Herb–nutraceutical
combo eases arthritis
A multiherb formula was found to improve the functional ability of
dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) as early as four weeks after commencing
therapy, a Quebec placebo-controlled randomised trial has found.
Interestingly, the second phase of the trial, another four weeks of
treatment with a formulation of nutraceuticals such as glucosamine and
chondroitin sulphate, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and L-glutamine,
resulted in even better improvements.
After 8 weeks of treatment with the products, accelerometers worn by
the dogs showed they became more active, spending an additional
1.5 hours on daily life activities. “This increase in limb use led to dogs
more willing to accentuate their limb support by an average of 1 kg …
Nevertheless, the level of activity has to be low to moderate to avoid an
exacerbation of lameness as reported after intense running,” wrote the
researchers from Université de Montréal.
There were 26 privately owned dogs in the trial, and peak vertical force
was its primary endpoint. The herbs included Devil’s claw, curcumin,
willow bark and feverfew, and blood tests showed that the treatments
did not affect platelet function.
Res Vet Sci 2014;97(3):574–81
Saving pains
Nonpharmaceutical approaches to controlling pain are becoming
increasingly popular as owners and vets seek alternative therapies
for pain control with minimal side effects and because multimodal
treatment is superior to single-modal therapy.
A review of adjuvant modalities by physical rehab therapist Dr Lisa
Corti at Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital found cold and
heat therapies effective ancillary techniques to decrease pain in
acute and chronic conditions, respectively, and easy and inexpensive
to administer.
Dr Corti recommended acupuncture as part of a multimodal treatment
plan for patients with pain due to OA, lumbrosacral disease, chronic
disc disease and bone cancers.
Rather than just treating chronic pain associated with inflammation,
newer therapies aim to reduce inflammation through tissue regeneration.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma
(PRP) promote tissue healing and regeneration at the site of injury.
“Although the evidence supporting the use of ESWT in dogs is
currently unclear, but the use of PRP for osteoarthritis shows promise,”
concluded Dr Corti.
Topics Compan Animal Med 2014;29(1):24–8
Sharing our pets’ pets
New DNA sequencing techniques have unearthed a wealth of
information about the human microbiome – the genome for the skin,
ENT, urogenital and GI microbiota – and how it interacts with our
health and diet [see overleaf]. However, little data on the microbiome of
companion animals exist despite them sharing living environment, food
and microbial populations with people and serving as potential vectors
for pathogens.
Researchers from the University of Illinois therefore reviewed nascent
research in the study of canine and feline microbiomes, and found that
although metabolic differences exist among host species, research
carried out in humans and other animal models may often be applied to
dogs and cats.
Disease studies have primarily focused on specific enteropathogens
such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium spp, which can be
present in both diseased and healthy animals. Also, most canine/feline
studies have focused on faecal DNA, which doesn’t indicate microbial
activity, measures of host health and accurate dietary information.
The phylogenetic structure and functional capacity of the microbiome
needs further research, along with activity and responsiveness of
microbes and how they affect host GI and metabolic diseases.
This will illuminate how antibiotics and other drug therapies, breed
and disease affect or are affected by the microbiome, which may
help improve diets, identify disease biomarkers and develop
targeted disease therapies.
Brit J Nutr 2015;113(Suppl S1):S6–S17
Probiotic mix treats IBD
Probiotic therapy was pitted against standard combination therapy
in dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in an open-label joint
US–Italian study.
Twenty pet dogs with idiopathic IBD were randomised to receive a
probiotic formula (four strains of Lactobacillus, two of Bifidobacterium
and Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus) or treatment with
prednisone and metronidazole for 60 days and followed-up after
30 days.
Histological and clinical IBD scores and CD3+ T-cells decreased in
both groups but regulatory T-cell markers such as TGF-ß+ increased
significantly more in the probiotic group. This is associated with a
protective effect, and normalisation of dysbiosis was also observed in
the probiotic group after long-term therapy.
PLoS ONE 2014;9(4):e94699
G
uts – their health,
integrity and efficiency
as much as their
contents – is the guts of this
autumn’s Pure Animal.
It might take guts to lead with a
feature on the bowels of animal
health too, but the gastrointestinal
tract (GIT) – once a great uncharted void whose internal workings
veterinary internal medicine tried to illuminate through assaying faecal
cultures – is now a hotspot of front-page, game-changing discoveries in
bioscience, merging disciplines such as gastroenterology, immunology,
endocrinology, neurology and psychology in the one tangled organ.
Since DNA sequencing laid bare the human genome, the microbiome
– genetic material of a host and their commensal microorganisms – is
now being unravelled to show the GIT to be a highly dynamic home
for most of the immune system and more than bacterial and fungal
‘flora’ but archaea, protozoa and viruses. All compete for adhesion
sites, optimal environments, nutrients and cofactors for survival and
reproduction – and a shift in ratios of different microbes’ numbers can
mean the difference between gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers or irritable
bowel syndrome.
These multifarious, intricately interlinked ecosystems within us are
repeated and shared among our companion animals, and research
into the microbiomes of the dog, cat and horse is still at early stages.
However, modulating GIT health is as established as feeding roughage,
while supplementation with probiotics – ingestible yeasts and bacteria
that confer a health benefit on the host – has for at least two decades
shown GI, growth and immune benefits in pets, livestock and people.
But the body’s biggest organ, the skin – and by extension the hair
on it – is also a rich site of microbiota that maintain epidermal pH,
barrier permeability and moisture; even odour and texture. A markedly
different environment to the GIT, the exterior layer is a self-renewing
superstructure of amino acids building cross-linked, filamental
proteins with hydrophobic lipids. Fatty acids, ceramides [see PAW
Fact Sheet March 2014], B vitamins and minerals such as silica and
zinc are partners in this process that self-differentiates hair from skin,
pad, nail and hoof. The Treatment feature on page 8 reviews whether
supplementation can change the external landscape as much as
the internal.
Perhaps to show how hard it is to make evidence-based decisions
when evidence is scant, the Analysis on page 7 focuses on a
systematic review of nutraceuticals for treating the clinical signs of
osteoarthritis (OA). With some interesting findings but by no means
resounding clarity, such papers can only be works in progress while
empirical experience – the often overlooked companion to evidence
gathering and interpretation – guides clinical decision making.
Steven Chong
RESEARCH UPDATEEDITOR’S NOTE
The value of intestinal fortitude
Volume 4 – Autumn 2015
ISSN 2202-7505
Editor
Steven Chong
Design & Production
Hogan Print
Editorial Contributors
Associate Professor Catherine Mansfield, Dr Kersti Seksel,
Dr Charmaine Tham, Steven Chong
Printing
Hogan Print
Distribution
Cojo Post
Pure Animal is published quarterly by Blackmores Animal Health
(ACN 009 713 437). It contains original articles and reviews written by
professional editorial staff for veterinary clinic workers. The views expressed
in Pure Animal are those of the original authors and not those of the
magazine, Editor or Blackmores Animal Health. The publisher, authors
and associated parties are not responsible or liable for the continued
currency of the information or for any published errors, omissions or
inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom.
© 2015 Blackmores LTD. All Pure Animal material is copyright. Reproduction
in whole or in part is not permitted except for educational purposes and with
consent of the publisher.
Latest research and evidence from around the world

3. 4 | Autumn 2015 Vol 4 Clinical Education for Natural Pet Health 5
SUMMARY
DNA sequencing of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome in humans and
animals has revealed its importance in the gut–brain axis and health.
research suggests a role in cardiovascular, autoimmune, GI disease
and obesity.
to change the canine microbiome and have clinically beneficial but
species-specific effects for GI disorders.
Lactobacillus spp. and
Bifidobacterium spp., can be synergistic compared to supplementation
with single strains.
G
astroenterology has never been the sexiest of veterinary
specialties but insights from human and animal lab, genomic
and clinical research has made the feculent one of the
most fascinating and fecund areas for reappraising biology, health,
therapeutic intervention and even subjectivity anew.
It is described as a ‘world within’ but the complex ecosystem being
discovered in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is on a par with
cosmic descriptors in terms of estimated numbers of entities and their
interrelationships, and what is yet to be discovered.
Over the past five years a steady stream of veterinary scientific
literature has been published on the canine and feline GIT and its acute
interactions with – if not pivotal role in and interdependence on – the
immune system and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis [see
Pure Animal Summer 2014;Vol 1:6].
This research has extended the knowledge of the GIT as a purely
absorptive, digestive and excretory canal to a dynamic frontier housing
most of the immune system that communicates intimately with the
endocrine and central nervous systems – the ‘second brain’.
We’re more microbial than human
The GIT is arguably more alive than any other organ in the body –
at least 1010
cells of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses coexist
dynamically in a protective mucosal barrier lining the stomach, small
intestine and colon [see diagram] – about 10 times more cells than
that of the host.1
Only in the last decade has molecular-based DNA sequencing
techniques, used in the human microbiome projects, begun to chart
the microbial ecology of the GIT, ENT, skin and other body regions.
The application of these techniques to describe the phylogenetic
structure and functional capacity of the canine GI microbiome was
first published in 2008.2
“The culture-based method identified only about 20 or so bacterial
species but there has been an explosion of microbes discovered
with DNA sequencing,” says veterinary gastroenterologist Associate
Professor Caroline Mansfield of the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural
Sciences at the University of Melbourne.
“The GIT mainly hosts the phyla Bacteroides and Firmicutes and viruses
and phages actually outnumber bacteria 10 to one – the role of the GIT
microbiota as a whole in veterinary medicine is unclear currently but
in humans there may be potential in modifying the clinical course of
cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, IBS and obesity.”
T
he modulation of human GI microbes by bacteria was
established in the early 20th century by Nobel Laureate Ilya
Metchnikoff, fellow Pasteur Institute scientist Henry Tissier
and German physician Alfred Nissle.3
The term ‘probiotics’ was not coined until 1965 by Lilly and Stillwell – in
contrast to antibiotics, probiotics were defined as microbially derived
factors that stimulate the growth of other organisms.3
The FAO/
WHO later refined this definition to “live microorganisms, which, when
administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.4
Associate Professor Mansfield points out that it is not always
necessary for bacteria to be live. “Soluble and fermentation products
may also be shed and mediate functions, and thinking in terms of
‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria is too simplistic – it’s a dynamic balance
with other microbes,” she says.
Recent human research has shown that enhancing the beneficial
components of the GI microbiota using probiotics represents a
realistic therapeutic strategy in maintaining health and treating
various GI disorders in humans, however companion animals have
received less attention.5
A 2008 review of gene sequences demonstrates that the canine
microbiota is closely related to, but distinct from, the microbiota
of other mammals such as humans.6
Although some argue that a
successful canine probiotic strain would ideally be derived from the
canine GIT7
, it has never been formally demonstrated that probiotic
effects are species specific.5
“The research needs to further evaluate clinical utility of probiotics
with dietary and other therapies in GI diseases in dogs and cats,
looking not just at which bacteria work – but how,” says Associate
Professor Mansfield.
“The evidence to date, however, suggests that probiotics are
probably helpful for chronic diarrhoea in cats, acute but non-critical
gastroenteritis in dogs, and animal shelter outbreaks of acute
diarrhoea that isn’t parvoviral or parasitic. And possibly helpful as
adjuncts in IBD or preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.”
In the wake of probiotics, prebiotics – nonstarch carbohydrate-based
‘food’ such as inulin or oligofructose that nurture beneficial GIT
microbes over harmful ones – have been developed, researched and
are now a growing category in human and animal fortified ‘functional’
food products. Synbiotics, which pair a synergistic pre- and probiotic
in the one product, have also enjoyed a recent surge of research
activity in companion animals and livestock, much of it driven by the
petfood and agricultural industries [see Fact Sheet February 2015].
Villi, tight junctions and mucus
Like the alveoli reticulating within the lungs, the
surface area of the GIT is vastly extended by finger-
like projections of villi lining the intestines, covered in a
protective layer of mucus in which billions of commensal
microorganisms thrive and compete for nutrients.
Each villus houses capillaries that in the small intestine
absorb nutrients, and in the large intestine absorb water,
and innumerable villi bristle from a contiguous single
layer of epithelial cells linked by tight junctions.
“Epithelial cells continually sense the microbiota in the
GIT, and produce IgA and antimicrobial peptides. Thus
there is a constant ‘battle in our guts’ where bacteria
populations self-regulate through competition, symbiotic
amensalism, parasitism and predation,” Associate
Professor Mansfield told Pure Animal.
The entrails of animals are again revealing secrets – this time
of the vast microbiota with its teeming probiotic bacteria
that modulate the immuno-endocrine systems, inflammatory
diseases and even behaviour.
The right guts
Medicine’s new frontier: biomes and biotics
REFERENCES: 1. Hooda S, et al. Animal Health Res Rev 2012;13(1):78–88. 2. Suchodolski JS, et
al. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 66: 567–578. 3. Guarner F, et al. WGO Global Guidelines: Probiotics
and prebiotics. World Gastroenterology Organisation, 2008. 4. Binns N. Probiotics, Prebiotics and
the Gut Microbiota. International Life Sciences Institute. Belgium: ISLI Europe, 2013. 5. O’Mahony
D, et al. Vet Microbiol 2009;139(1–2):106–12. 6. Ley RE, et al. Nat Rev Microbiol 2008;6:776–88.
7. McCoy S, et al. J Food Sci 2007;72:M94–M97. 8. Sauter SN, et al. Domes Anim Endocrinol
2005;9:605–22. 9. Baillon MLA, et al. Am J Vet Res 2004;65:338–43. 10. Pasupathy K, et al. Arch
Tierernahr 2001;55(3):243–53. 11. Beasley SS, et al. J Appl Microbiol 2006;101(1):131–8. 12.
Benyacoub J, et al. J Nutr 2003;133:1158–62. 13. Bybee SN, et al. JVIM 2011; 25: 856-860. 14.
Rossi G, et al. PLOSOne 2014;9:e94699.
COVER STORYCOVER STORY
Commonly used vet probiotics
Probiotic ‘cocktails’ have been shown to be more efficacious than single strains
in some situations where it may be beneficial to combine three or more.8
PROBIOTIC USES, EFFECTS
Lactobacillus acidophilus immune response in healthy dogs9
, growth
allergy symptoms in puppies10
L. plantarum,
L. rhamnosus
Highly concentrated in healthy canine microbiota,
competitively inhibits pathogens11
Bifidobacterium bifidum Several species in GIT, pathogen translocation5
Enterococcus faecium immune function in young dogs12
diarrhoea duration in cats13
L. delbrueckii ssp
bulgaricus,
Streptococcus
thermophilus
Synergistic combination used to make yoghurt
lactose intolerance in humans
included with other Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium sp. in
VSL#3, which equalled prednisolone/metronidazole scores on
histology and restored tight junctions in dogs with IBD14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1 Oesophagus
2 Liver
3 Stomach
Helicobacter,
Lactobacillus spp
4 Duodenum
Eubacterium,
Bacteroides,
Clostridium
Fusobacterium,
Bifidobacterium,
Lactobacillus spp.
5 Small intestine
Bacteroides,
Eubacterium,
Fusobacterium,
Clostridium spp,
Klebsiella pneumoniae,
Campylobacter jejuni,
Salmonella,
Helicobacter spp,
Lactobacillus,
Bifidobacterium,
Streptococcus,
Staphylococcus,
Pasteurella,
Escherichia coli,
Enterobacter
6 Large intestine
109
–1010
CFU/g of
Bacteroides,
Bifidobacterium,
Fusobacterium,
Peptostreptococcus,
Eubacterium,
Clostridium spp,
Peptococcus,
Lactobacillus
7 Rectum
I will deep etch this more
acurrately once the hi res
version is purchased
CROSS-SECTION OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL BARRIER
CANINE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

4. 6 | Autumn 2015 Vol 4 Clinical Education for Natural Pet Health 7
ANALYSIS & OPINION
A
lthough not common in veterinary medicine, systematic
reviews have become an established part of evidence-based
medicine in human biosciences.1
Comprehensive,
scrupulously conducted and reported transparently, they have been
heralded as an efficient means for time-poor practitioners to peruse
distilled, quality scientific information.2
Researchers from Belgium, UK and Canada conducted this systematic
review1
about the usefulness of nutraceuticals for improving clinical
signs of pain or abnormal locomotion in horses, cats and dogs with
osteoarthritis (OA), and found 22 controlled studies that met their criteria.
Marine-based supplements buoyed
The highest all-round strength of evidence of efficacy was demonstrated
by diets supplemented with omega–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
(PUFA), as demonstrated in four high-quality randomised controlled
trials.3–6
The PUFA may lower arachidonic acid concentrations and alter
the production of eicosanoids to less inflammatory forms.7
They may
also reduce the expression of cartilage degrading enzymes, COX-2 and
pro-inflammatory cytokines.8
Green lipped-mussel powder (GLM; see PAW Fact Sheet June 2013)
had a significant effect in three of four canine studies9–12
and because
of this inconsistency, the researchers could not conclude a strong
indication for its use. However, the null effect may have been because
the dose was too low (10 mg GLM/day/kg) compared to the other
studies of at least double this level. It should also be noted that since
the systematic review, a fifth controlled study has been published that
again found GLM to be effective for canine OA.13
Moreover, a high-quality study in cats showed a beneficial effect of a diet
supplemented with GLM with omega–3 fatty acids and glucosamine.14
Synergy from glycosaminoglycans
Two compounds containing the substrates for cartilage tissue and synovial
fluid, the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) glucosamine and chondroitin
sulphate [see Fact Sheet July 2013], had contradictory results in dogs.15,16
In one of three studies performed in horses17
and the only one conducted
in cats14
, the nutraceuticals were part of a formula with other ingredients
that might have contributed to the clinical effect.
However, there is evidence that GAGs may retard the degenerative
process synergistically18
, provide prophylaxis against synovitis19
and
modulate the metabolism of articular cartilage.20
Moreover, synergistic
effects of different nutraceuticals is regarded lately as a step forward in
the management of OA21
, and a 2014 prospective randomised controlled
trial of 105 Labradors by the Spanish Guide Dog Foundation’s Veterinary
Service used glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate with hyaluronic acid,
collagen and gamma-oryzanol (antioxidant from rice bran oil).22
A third of the dogs in the control group developed radiographic
evidence of elbow dysplasia compared to 18.5% in the orally
supplemented group. Symptoms of dysplasia at 12 months differed
between the treated (12.5%) and control (61.5%) animals, and were
significantly different at 20 months.
Differences in lameness along with movement and swelling of the
elbows between groups were observed after 12 months – the treated
group had improved significantly by the last assessment and no adverse
side effects were reported.22
References: 1. Vandeweerd J-M, et al. Systematic Review of efficacy of nutraceuticals to alleviate
clinical signs of osteoarthritis. J Vet Intern Med 2012; 2. Marr CM, et al. Equine Vet J 2006;38:110–2.
3. Fritsch D, et al. J Vet Intern Med 2010;24:1020–6. 4. Fritsch DA, et al. J Am Vet Med Assoc
2010;236:535–9. 5. Roush JK, et al. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;236:59–66. 6. Roush JK, et al.
J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;236:67–73. 7. Calder PC, Zurier RB. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care
2001;4:115–21. 8. Curtis CL, et al. J Biol Chem 2000;275:721–4. 9. Pollard B, et al. N Z Vet J
2006;54:114–8. 10. Bierer TL, Bui LM. J Nutr 2002;132:1634S–1636S. 11. Bui LM, Bierer TL. Vet
Ther 2001;4:397–407. 12. Dobenecker B, et al. J Nutr 2002;132:1690S–1691S. 13. Rialland P, et
al. Can J Vet Res 2013;77(1):66–74. 14. Lascelles BDX, et al. J Vet Intern Med 2010;24:487–95.
15. McCarthy G, et al. Vet J 2007;174:54–61. 16. Moreau M, et al. Vet Rec 2003;152:323–9. 17.
Keegan KG, et al. Am Assoc Equine Pract 2007;53:252–5. 18. Lippiello L, et al. Clin Orthop Relat
Res 2000;381:229–40. 19. Canapp SO, et al. Am J Vet Res 1999;60:1552–7. 20. Johnson KA, et
al. Osteoarth Cartil 2001;9:14–21. 21. Bottegoni C, et al. Carbohydr Polym 2014;109:126–38. 22.
Marti-Angulo S, et al. J Vet Sci 2014;15(4):569–74.
Quality research into complementary medicine is still nascent
in veterinary science but there is sufficient evidence on
osteoarthritis supplements to enable a systematic review by
international researchers.Steven Chong reports.
Joint ventures
with nutraceuticals
SUMMARY
nutraceuticals for improving clinical signs of pain or abnormal movement in
horses, cats and dogs found 22 controlled studies.
of efficacy.
and a further published since 2012.
but a subsequent study of guide dog Labradors had positive results for the
nutraceuticals combined with collagen, hyaluronic acid and an antioxidant.
Steven Chong, BA (Communications), is Editor
of Pure Animal

5. 8 | Autumn 2015 Vol 4 Clinical Education for Natural Pet Health 9
Key micro and trace nutrients for maintenance of nails,coat
and skin often slip under the radar due to widespread use of
commercial balanced pet foods,making deficiency-related
dermatoses rare.Does supplementation add extra resilience,
lustre or shine?
A
s the largest organ of the mammalian body, the skin forms a
protective barrier keeping moisture in and physical, mechanical
and chemical insults out. Its outermost layer consists of layers
of terminally differentiated dead cornified cells on the epidermis surface;
in small animals, hair extends this protective barrier, while their skin
thinner than in humans.
Frank deficiencies of certain micronutrients involved in epidermal cell
turnover is known to cause dermatological problems that these days
are rare or respond to supplementation and/or dietary therapy. However,
will supplementation in animals without deficiencies produce aesthetic
effects over and above maintenance?
Keratin – the exterior protein
Protein is the macronutrient most commonly described as providing
‘building blocks’ for the body’s structural tissues – muscle, hair, skin,
bones and nails – with keratin, filaggrin, involucrin, ornithine, loricrin and
collagen some of the most abundant epidermal proteins.
Together, keratins and filaggrin constitute 80–90% of the protein mass
of a mammal’s skin.1
Keratinocyte cells produce keratins that assemble
into a weblike pattern of intermediate filaments, which are bundled
tightly by filaggrin and encased in a sturdy protein/lipid bag called the
cornified cell envelope, which comprise the remaining 10% of the skin’s
total mass.2
Keratins with different physical properties and activities recur throughout
the body’s tissues in varying proportions as polymers of amino acids –
the building blocks’ integral material.
Hair is composed of 95% fibrous, tough keratin rich in the sulfur-
containing amino acids methionine and cysteine, which crosslink to
confer additional strength and rigidity to part of the shaft.3
Nails, hooves and claws contain even less elastic keratins than in the
hair, with yet more sulphur-rich amino acids that provide a tougher,
filamentous structure.
Normal growth of hair and keratinisation of the skin thus create a high
demand for dietary protein and may account for 25–30% of the animal’s
daily protein requirement.4
Dogs can synthesise endogenously 13 of 23
identified amino acids – the 10 ‘essential’ amino acids that are sourced
from the diet (usually most completely from meat) are arginine, histidine,
isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine,
tryptophan, valine and, in cats, taurine.
Failure to provide sufficient levels of these amino acids results in the
cutaneous manifestations of protein malnutrition including brittle,
depigmented hair and nails, which is easily shed or crack and slow to
regrow, excessive scaling and thin, inelastic and hyperpigmented skin.3
Lipids – lubricants for skin
Lipids form the ‘cement’ between cells of the outermost layer of the
epidermis (stratum corneum – see diagram). They are synthesised by
keratinocytes from the intermediate products of metabolism or from
essential fatty acids supplied from the diet – supplementation with
linoleic acid (omega–6 PUFA) has been shown to result in reduced
transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in healthy dogs5
– and are packaged
in small organelles known as lamellar bodies.2
In response to signalling, such as an increase in calcium concentration,
lamellar bodies move up through skin layers and secrete their content
into the intercellular spaces. The lipids derived from the lamellar bodies
are then rearranged into intercellular lamellae positioned approximately
parallel to the cell surface.2
The high-gloss finish
Ceramide is a major lipid component of in the stratum corneum and
accounts for 30–40% of lipids by weight [see also Fact Sheet March
2014]. Cholesterol, probably the most abundant lipid in the entire
body, forms part of the intercellular lipid lamella to provide fluidity and
flexibility to the membrane system. Free fatty acids also constitute
the extracellular lipid ‘mortar’ and numerous dermatological studies
have examined how structurally similar omega–3 and omega–6
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can help maintain epidermal barrier
function [see Pure Animal Summer 2015;3:4].
Zinc – linked to skin and coat
Zinc is critical in regulating many aspects of cellular metabolism, a
number of which influence the maintenance of a healthy coat and
skin. Zinc is a cofactor for a wide range of metalloenzymes and RNA
and DNA polymerases so its presence is important in rapidly dividing
cells, including those of the epidermis. Zinc is also essential for the
biosynthesis of fatty acids, participates in both the inflammatory and
immune systems and is involved in the metabolism of vitamin A.3
Supplementation of a balanced commercial diet with zinc (23.9 mg/MJ)
and linoleic acid (3.6 g/MJ) produced significant improvements in coat
gloss and scale compared with controls in 32 healthy adult dogs.
When studied separately, there was no significant effect of either zinc
or linoleic acid on these outcomes, nor on coat softness and optimum
coat feel when supplemented together. TEWL decreased significantly
during the study in all three supplemented groups, but not compared
to controls.5
Frank dietary deficiencies of zinc are considered rare in dogs and have
not been reported in cats. However, a relative deficiency may occur
in some dogs when the availability of dietary zinc is reduced through
nutrient interactions (e.g. a diet high in cereal or calcium) or cases
in which intestinal absorption of zinc is impaired from disease or
genetic factors.3
Nasodigital hyperkeratosis can affect the nose and/or foot pads of older
dogs with zinc deficiency, where keratin grows excessively and the
cracked pads appear to have ‘keratin feathers’ around their edges.
Vitamins and minerals
Micronutrients and their role in skin and coat health are outlined in
the table below, however a petfood company has sponsored studies
involving other nutrients and botanicals, including:
Pantothenate, choline, vitamin B3, histidine and inositol were
among 27 nutritional components screened for their ability to
upregulate epidermal lipid synthesis. These micronutrients were fed
to dogs at supplemented levels in a 12-week study and were able to
significantly reduce TEWL after nine weeks.6
Aloe vera, curcumin, vitamin C and taurine increased canine
fibroblast migration and decreased water diffusion across canine
keratinocytes in vitro.7
biotin and other
B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine) was
fed to eight black Labradors. A significant improvement in coat feel
and softness, and reduction in coat scale, were observed compared
with controls.8
Skin-centric nutrients
MICRONUTRIENT ROLE IN SKIN AND COAT HEALTH
Vitamin A Epithelium renewal, important for keratinisation. Both
deficiency and excess can hyperkeratinisation and scaling,
alopecia, poor hair coat and susceptibility to microbial
infections5
Vitamin B
group3
Thiamine (B1) Hair growth, sebum production
Riboflavin (B2) Fat and protein metabolism – deficiency produces cheilosis
and seborrhoea
Niacin (B3) Helps limit skin dehydration – deficiency black tongue,
mucous membrane ulceration
Pyroxidine (B6) Aids in protein metabolism – deficiency dull, waxy unkempt
coat with fine scales and patchy alopecia
Biotin (B7) Indispensable for synthesis of keratin – deficiency
premature greying, dull dry fur, hair breakage and loss,
dandruff, secondary inflammation with sloughing and itching9
Folic acid (B9) Helps digest and synthesise new protein, aids tissue growth
and cell function
Copper Helps body use stored iron and produce pigment melanin.
With zinc, copper aids in collagen/elastin production and
protein synthesis
Calcium Important regulator of protein synthesis in the epidermis,
including enzymes that form insoluble proteinpolymers.
Extracellular calcium ions are also important for cell–cell
adhesion and epidermal differentiation10
Selenium Works synergistically with vitamin E and copper to contribute
to elasticity
Silicon Fundamental to cross-linking mechanism in collagen
and elastin11
REFERENCES: 1. Nemes Z, et al. Bricks and mortar of the epidermal barrier. Exp Mol Med 1999;31:5–19. 2. Baroni A, et al. Structure and function of the epidermis related to barrier properties. Clinics Dermatol
2012;30(3):257–62. 3. Watson TDG. Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats. Nutr Dis 1998;128:2783S–2789S. 4. Scott DW. What’s new on canine dermatology? In: Proceedings of 12th Annual Congress of
European Society of Veterinary Dermatology, Barcelona, Spain, 1995:163–5. 5. Marsh KA, et al. Effects of zinc and linoleic acid supplementation on the skin and coat quality of dogs receiving a complete and
balanced diet. Vet Dermatol 2000;11:277–84. 6. Watson AL, et al. Dietary constituents are able to play a beneficial role in canine epidermal barrier function. Exp Dermatol 2006;15(1):74–81. 7. Fray TA, et al.
A combination of aloe vera, curcumin, vitamin C, and taurine increases canine fibroblast migration and decreases tritiated water diffusion across canine keratinocytes in vitro. J Nutr 2004;134(8 Suppl):2117S–
2119S. 8. Marsh KA. Improving the coat condition of dogs. WALTHAM Focus, Focus on Skin and Coat Special Edition 1999:29–30. 9. Frigg M, et al. Clinical study on the effect of biotin on skin conditions in
dogs. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 1989;131(10):621-5. 10. Hitomi K. Transglutaminases in skin epidermis. Eur J Dermatol 2005;15:313–9. 11. Osiecki H. The Nutrient Bible. BioConcepts Publishing: Eagle Farm,
Brisbane, 2002.
TREATMENTTREATMENT
SUMMARY
of widespread feeding with balanced complete foods, some nutrients are
important in maintaining integrity and cell turnover in the epidermal layer.
filaggrin and collagen are the most abundant proteins; different proportions of
amino acids within these proteins affect structure, with sulphurous methionine
and cysteine giving extra rigidity to hair and nails.
extracellular ‘mortar’ between the corneocyte cells, and zinc is important in
areas of high cell turnover.
of dogs and found to improve markers of epidermal moisture loss and
coat quality.
CROSS-SECTION OF THE EPIDERMIS
opposite

6. 10 | Autumn 2015 Vol 4 Clinical Education for Natural Pet Health 11
Your guide to training and
education in integrative veterinary
medicine in Australia and overseas
EDUCATION
Events
MARCH
23–27 6th Pan Commonwealth Veterinary Conference
& 27th Conference of VAM
Commonwealth veterinarians meet on the themed
of ‘Providing holistic solutions to changing global
challenges: threats and opportunities for veterinarians’
CPD 1 Vet Ed point
Where Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
http://www.cvaconference2015pcvc6.com
25 Applying ECGs in General Veterinary Practice webinar
Veterinary cardiologist Dr Niek Beijerink explains when to
use ECG, how to read it and what to look out for. Common
case scenarios and new technology also profiled
CPD 1 VetEd points
Where www.pawevents.com
APRIL
14 MOVE webinar – Small Animal
Dr Shona Reese reviews diagnostic imaging
Where Goto.murdoch.edu.au/CVE
16–17 Pharmacology Symposium
A focus on practical issues to consider when administering
drugs to animals
CPD 12
Where Rydges World Square, Sydney NSW. www.cve.edu.au
19–22 VNCA Conference 2015
Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia’s 21st annual
conference features four streams of presentations and
workshops plus AGM and trade exhibition
Where Pullman Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne VIC. www.vnca.asn.au
MAY
2, 3 Medical Plus – Small Animal Abdominal Ultrasound
Workshop, Workshop of essential ultrasound skills
Where Murdoch University, Perth WA. sales@medicalplus.com.au
3 Canine Internal Medicine
All about physical examination – unusual problems,
diagnosis, common pitfalls and treatment options
CPD 6
Where Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, Adelaide SA. www.cve.edu.au
12 MOVE webinar – Small Animal
Common toxicological emergencies presented
by Sarah Purcell
Where Goto.murdoch.edu.au/CVE
15 Approaches to Bones and Joints
Workshop on commonly used surgical techniques to
bones and joint in the forelimb and hindlimb
CPD 14.5
Where www.cve.edu.au
16–17 Cardiorespiratory Conference
Differential diagnosis between heart failure and
respiratory disease via history and physical examination,
interpreting radiography
CPD 12
Where Pullman Brisbane King George Square, Brisbane QLD
www.cve.edu.au
MAY (Continued)
24 Animal welfare workshop
AVA and NZVA members and non-members explore
common values around animal welfare. Facilitated by
strategic thinker Dr Mark Strom
Where Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
24–29 Pan Pacific Veterinary Conference 2015
Five-yearly Australasian event of more than 200
scientific sessions and 130 local and international
speakers. Presented by the AVA and NZVA.
CPD up to 28 VetEd points
Where Brisbane Convention and Conference Centre,
Brisbane QLD
www.conference.ava.com.au
29 AVAPM Exclusive Insights Workshop
A look inside a variety of successful practices –
benchmarks, marketing, HR, staff incentives, etc.
and how to assess staff production values
CPD 12 VetEd points
Where Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
29 ASAVA Small Animal Veterinarians Workshop
Limited-capacity workshop on latest advances in open
wound management and complex wound closures
CPD 9.5 VetEd points
Where Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
29–30 Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Group –
Geriatric and Orthopaedic Patients
Acupuncture, prolotherapy, trigger point and rehab
techniques by Dr Michelle Tilghman
CPD 17 VetEd points
Where Greencross Vets Indooroopilly QLD
www.acuvet.com.au
31 Gastrointestinal Surgery – Tips and Tricks
Intensive seminar by Prof Philip Moses on surgical
conditions and techniques involving feline and
canine GIT: exploratory laparotomy and abdominal
biopsy, enterectomy
CPD 6
Where Hyatt Hotel Canberra ACT
www.cve.edu.au
JUNE
9 MOVE webinar – Small Animal
Professor Giselle Hosgood on wound management
Where Goto.murdoch.edu.au/CVE
10–19 AVAPM New Business Model workshops
Darren Osborne, Director of Economic Research
from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association,
presents one-day workshops on client and
practice-focused management
Where Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
Kersti is widely published in scientific journals,
magazines, text books, and regularly contributes
to broadcast and print media. She is the author
of Training Your Cat, behaviour columnist for
Dog’s Life and a consultant to Veterinary
Information Network (VIN) in the USA.
Your interest in animal behaviour began while working overseas.
Where were you and which particular animal and behaviour
sparked that interest?
I was working in the UK doing locums when I learnt that more animals
were euthanized or surrendered every year because of their behaviour
than died of other causes and this distressed me as it was an area that
we were not taught about at University and I could do nothing to help
them. Although I was taught lots of things to help make the physical
lives of animals better I could not help them with their emotional lives
or mental health issues.
Is dietary therapy effective for any behavioural problems you
commonly see?
Diets can be very helpful in some cases, mainly those with cognitive
dysfunction. Combined with mental and physical exercise
it has been shown to improve memory and thus quality of life.
Have you had much clinical success with nutraceutical
supplementation?
We do not use them commonly but omega fatty acids can be
helpful for those animals with anxiety disorders and skin issues.
Our cover story is on gut microbiota and how its composition is
being found to affect immunity and endocrinology. There is some
research in mice and humans on how probiotic therapy affects
behaviour – do you know of any in companion animals or noticed
any effects anecdotally?
We know animals with anxiety disorders often have GI disturbances
as well as skin problems and so we treat the physical signs as well as
the emotional signs of mental health issues. I am aware of some cases
where they have been helpful in managing pets with anxiety issues.
Dr Kersti Seksel, BVSc (Hons), MRCVS, MA (Hons), is a
RegisteredVeterinary Specialist,Behavioural Medicine,a Fellow
of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal
Behaviour, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary
Behaviourists and a Diplomat of the European College of
Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine – Behavioural
Medicine Companion Animals.She is an adjunct senior
lecturer at Charles Sturt University and honorary associate
at The University of Sydney,where she tutors in behavioural
medicine for the Centre for Veterinary Education.
Seksel’s
success
INTERVIEW
T

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