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Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology, September 2004, p. 841-848, Vol. 11, No. 5
1071-412X/04/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/CDLI.11.5.841-848.2004
Copyright © 2004, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Measurement of Immunoglobulin Concentrations in the Feces of Healthy Dogs

I. R. Peters,1* E. L. Calvert,2 E. J. Hall,1 and M. J. Day1

School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol,1 WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire, United Kingdom2

Received 8 March 2004/ Returned for modification 1 May 2004/ Accepted 23 June 2004

Selective immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency in humans and may be associated with chronic gastrointestinal disease. This observation has led to the suggestion that the high susceptibility of German shepherd dogs (GSD) to chronic enteropathies is related to a deficiency in mucosal IgA production. Relative deficiencies of IgA has been reported in the serum, saliva, tears, and feces of GSD both with and without alimentary disease; however, the findings of different studies are not consistent. The aim of this study was to confirm whether a relative deficiency of IgA exists in the feces of GSD. Feces were collected from healthy GSD (n = 209), Labrador retrievers (n = 96), beagles (n = 19), and miniature schnauzers (n = 32). Fecal IgA, IgM, and IgG were measured by capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Fecal IgG concentrations in the four breed groups were not significantly different. IgA concentrations were significantly greater in miniature schnauzers than in GSD (P = 0.0003) and Labradors (P = 0.0004) but not significantly different from those in beagles. IgM concentrations were significantly greater in miniature schnauzers than in GSD (P < 0.0001), Labradors (P < 0.0001), and beagles (P = 0.0098). These findings do not support the hypothesis that GSD have a relative deficiency in fecal IgA. The differences in immunoglobulin concentrations measured from a single defecation, between individuals of the same breed and between breeds, as well as the lack of an internal control molecule, make the determination of a normal reference range for all dogs impossible. Therefore, the usefulness of fecal immunoglobulin quantification for the assessment of intestinal immunoglobulin secretion in dogs is limited.

* Corresponding author. Mailing address: School of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, United Kingdom. Phone: 44-117-928-9230. Fax: 44-117-928-9505. E-mail: I.R.Peters{at}Bristol.ac.uk.

Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology, September 2004, p. 841-848, Vol. 11, No. 5
1071-412X/04/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/CDLI.11.5.841-848.2004
Copyright © 2004, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



This article has been cited by other articles:

  • Peters, I. R., Hall, E. J., Day, M. J. (2006). Faecal IgA concentrations in dogs.. Vet Rec. 158: 743-743 [Full Text]  


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