DVM, MSC, PHD Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas, São Paulo, Brazil. São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Abstract: Background Canine chronic enteropathies (CCE) are inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases commonly encountered in veterinary practice, characterized by persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Among the subtypes, diet-responsive enteropathy stands out, accounting for 50-65% of cases and responding exclusively to hypoallergenic diets based on hydrolyzed or novel proteins. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of hypoallergenic diets as an initial monotherapy for treating CCE in dogs and their potential to reduce the use of immunosuppressants and antibiotics. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted, including eight clinical studies. Statistical analysis was performed using artificial intelligence (AI) tools and further validated by an independent statistician to ensure robustness and reliability. Results The findings demonstrated that 60.8% of dogs with CCE responded positively to hypoallergenic diets, reinforcing their efficacy as a first-line treatment. Despite limitations such as methodological and sample heterogeneity, the data support hypoallergenic diets as safe and effective interventions, playing a crucial role in CCE management. Conclusion Hypoallergenic diets have been shown to be effective and safe for treating CCE, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to optimize clinical outcomes and reduce costs. The use of AI in research enabled efficient analysis of large datasets, identifying relevant patterns. However, the accuracy of findings depends on the quality and structure of input data, emphasizing the need to minimize biases and inconsistencies in future studies.