Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common condition in dogs that can significantly impact their overall health and quality of life. Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of the gut microbiome in the development and progression of IBD. This thesis aims to investigate the impact of diet on the gut microbiome of dogs with IBD, with the ultimate goal of identifying dietary strategies that can help manage this condition more effectively. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study and presenting the problem statement. The objectives of the study are clearly defined, along with the limitations and scope of the research. The significance of the study is highlighted, emphasizing the potential benefits of identifying dietary interventions that can modulate the gut microbiome in dogs with IBD. Chapter Two consists of a comprehensive literature review that explores existing research on the gut microbiome, IBD in dogs, and the influence of diet on gut health. Ten key areas of interest are examined, including the role of specific nutrients, the impact of dietary fiber, and the potential benefits of probiotics and prebiotics in managing IBD. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed in this study. Various aspects of the research design and data collection process are discussed, including sample selection, dietary interventions, and microbiome analysis techniques. The chapter also outlines the statistical methods used to analyze the data and draw meaningful conclusions. Chapter Four presents a thorough discussion of the research findings, focusing on the impact of different dietary interventions on the gut microbiome of dogs with IBD. The results of the study are analyzed in relation to the research objectives, shedding light on the potential mechanisms through which diet influences gut health and disease progression in dogs. Chapter Five offers a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings and their implications for the management of IBD in dogs. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, and recommendations for future research are proposed. Overall, this thesis contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between diet, the gut microbiome, and IBD in dogs, paving the way for more targeted and effective treatment strategies in the future.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Investigating the impact of diet on the gut microbiome of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease" aims to explore the intricate relationship between diet, gut microbiome composition, and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding how diet influences the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. Moreover, IBD is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder in dogs, characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract and associated with various clinical signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. The project will delve into the existing body of literature to establish a comprehensive understanding of the role of diet and the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of IBD in dogs. By conducting a thorough literature review, the research will identify key studies that have investigated the effects of different dietary components on the gut microbiome composition and how these changes may influence the development and progression of IBD. Additionally, the project will explore the potential mechanisms through which diet-induced alterations in the gut microbiome can impact the immune response and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the research methodology will involve collecting fecal samples from dogs diagnosed with IBD and healthy control dogs to analyze their gut microbiome composition using advanced sequencing techniques. Dietary intake data will also be collected to determine the relationship between specific dietary components and the gut microbiome profile in dogs with IBD. Statistical analyses will be employed to identify potential correlations between diet, gut microbiome composition, and clinical parameters of IBD in dogs. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the role of diet in modulating the gut microbiome and its impact on the development and progression of IBD in dogs. By elucidating the complex interactions between diet, the gut microbiome, and IBD, this research has the potential to inform future nutritional strategies and therapeutic interventions aimed at managing IBD in dogs. Ultimately, this project seeks to contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine by enhancing our understanding of the intricate interplay between diet, the gut microbiome, and gastrointestinal health in dogs with IBD.