Effects of a structured exercise programme in sedentary dogs with chronic diarrhoea

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of a structured exercise programme in sedentary dogs with chronic diarrhoea. Twenty-two dogs were enrolled in the study. All dogs received oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day for 14 days, followed by a tapering dosage) for 10 weeks. After four weeks of prednisolone treatment, dogs were assigned to either the exercise or control group (n=11 each). Owners of dogs in the exercise group were instructed to guide their dogs in structured exercise training (low-intensity to moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise three to five days per week). After 10 weeks of prednisolone treatment with concomitant 6 weeks of complementary exercise, the Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI) score had decreased significantly in the exercise group (from 8.8±1.5 at the start of the exercise programme to 2.4±1.5; P<0.001); no such change was observed in the control group (from 9.2±0.9 to 9.2±1.1). CIBDAI scores differed significantly between the groups at the end of the 10-week study period (P<0.001). The exercise programme affected all six CIBDAI parameters significantly; bodyweight (P<0.001, adjusted r=0.722) was most affected. A structured exercise programme may have positive effects on clinical symptoms in sedentary dogs with chronic diarrhoea.

Evaluation of Dog Walking Programs to Promote Student Nurse Health

“…Walking is not only beneficial to people, but has health benefits for dogs as well (Chandler et al, 2017). Like people, dogs suffer from disease processes, such as obesity, irritable bowel disease, and osteoarthritis that are ameliorated by regular low impact exercise, such as walking (Frye, Shmalberg, & Wakshlag, 2016;Huang & Lien, 2017;Vitger et al, 2017;Vitger, Stallknecht, Nielsen, & Bjornvad, 2016;Warren et al, 2011). In addition, dog walking provides social stimulation and interaction with people and other dogs that may improve the dog's psychological health and reduce undesired behavioral problems such as aggression to people (Shin & Shin, 2017;Westgarth, Christian, & Christley, 2015).…”

Faecal microbiome transplantation improves clinical signs of chronic idiopathic large bowel diarrhoea in working dogs

“…To evaluate patients, their microbiome and the treatment's effect, proper instruments are required. For this purpose, the canine inflammatory bowel disease index (CIBDAI) has been frequently used, 19,20 as has the Nestle Purina faecal scoring system, which has been validated for use in dogs 21 …”

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Improving IBD in dogs through exercise

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