Case Study – Gigi
Gigi – 3 1/2 yo Miniature Poodle, Spayed Female Canine
Symptoms/Conditions:
- At 3 months old GIgi developed otitis an infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum).
- At 1-year-old pruritus developed (itchy skin is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch). GIgi was given cytopoint injections to treat the pruritus.
- In June Gigi was diagnosed moderate dysbiosis (an “imbalance” in the gut microbial community that is associated with disease) present. For the dysbiosis Gigi was given a fecal transplant capsules.
Testing Highlights:
- In Nov ’22 Gigi did the Comprehensive IPL test. The results showed elevated secretory IgA. Secretory IgA is a marker of intestinal immune protection, which means she was a having an increased immune response.
Treatment/Follow-up:
- In July ’22 Gigi was transitioned to fresh food, a balanced diet, used probiotics, digestive enzymes, omega-3’s and detox support.
- Gigi was given Standard Process Immune Support, algae oil, Saccharomyces boulardii after her Nov ’22 IPL test to address her high Secretory IgA
- In Feb ’23 Gigi took her follow up Comprehensive IPL test her Pruritus has resolved and her secretory IgA was low.
- Dr. Woodley adjusted Gigi’s treatment to support low secretory IgA. She added medicinal mushrooms, colostrum, stress management.
Antigliadin-IgA
Result: 242 µg/g – Normal
Antigliadin IgA identifies an immune response to gluten. Your dog must be eating gluten to detect a response. If results are high or borderline check your dog’s diet for gluten and reduce intake.
Ranges:
Normal: <750 µg/g
Borderline: 750-900 µg/g
High: >900 µg/g
Beta-glucuronidase
Result: 3.55 µg/g- Normal
Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme produced by dogs and certain gut bacteria. High levels can be due to an imbalance of gut bacteria. It can also release toxins that have already gone through detoxification. Consider a probiotic supplement or snacks higher in fibers to support healthy gut bacteria, reduce toxin exposures.
Ranges:
Normal: < 4.5 µg/g
Borderline: 4.5 – 8 µg/g
High: >8 µg/g
Calprotectin
Result: 0 µg/g Normal
Calprotectin is a sensitive marker of inflammation of the gut lining. Elevated levels may improve with anti-inflammatory dog-food, anti-inflammatory supplements, or other treatments. Retest in 3-6 months. Consult a veterinary professional if levels are very high and significant symptoms are present.
Ranges:
Normal: < 10µg/g
Borderline: 11-30 µg/g
High: > 30 µg/g
Pancreatic Elastase 1
Result: 1247.53 µg/g – Normal
Pancreatic Elastase 1 is a digestive enzyme, and low levels can identify impaired digestion. Dogs who don’t secrete enough digestive enzymes may not fully digest food. Consult a veterinary professional for further testing if levels are very low and symptoms such as weight loss and diarrhea are present.
Ranges:
Normal: > 20 µg/g
Borderline: 10-20 µg/g
Low: < 10 µg/g
Secretory IgA
Result: 366.32 µg/g – High
Secretory IgA is the first line of immune defense at the gut lining. It is a marker of intestinal immune protection, and intestinal maturity in young dogs. Elevated levels may show an increased immune reaction to inflammation, parasites, or food sensitivities (check gluten), and may benefit from a grain free or hypoallergenic dog food, or probiotics. Low levels may identify an impaired immune response, consider immune supporting supplements, probiotic or prebiotics, or a change in dog food.
Ranges:
Low: < 90 µg/g
Normal: 90-250 µg/g
Borderline: 251-300 µg/g
High > 300 µg/g
Zonulin
Result: 1.97 ug/g – Normal
Zonulin acts like a glue to keep intestinal cells bound together. When it is high it can mean that cells aren’t tightly together, referred to as Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS). If results are high consider probiotics, a change in diet such as removing gluten if antigliadin IgA is high or a human grade dog-food, minimizing stress.
Ranges:
Normal: < 9 ug/g
Borderline: 9-10 ug/g
High: > 10 ug/g