Background: In humans, early-life trauma (ELT), including neglect, abuse and social isolation, are linked to development of disorders of brain gut interaction (DBGI) which present with signs of both behavioral and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Similarly, behavioral signs often co-occur with chronic gastrointestinal signs in dogs, indicating presumptive DBGI which may also be associated with ELT in this species. Hypothesis/
Objectives: This retrospective study investigated the relationship between ELT, chronic gastrointestinal signs, and behavioral disorders in dogs, hypothesizing that multi-modal management of presumptive DBGI will improve clinical outcomes. Animals: Twenty-four client-owned dogs evaluated by the Behavioral Medicine Service and referred to Internal Medicine for co-management of chronic gastrointestinal signs were included.
Methods: Data collected from 167 patient encounters included demographics, ELT history, GI signs, diagnostic findings, behavioral assessments, and treatments. Descriptive statistics were performed.
Results: Twenty-four dogs were presumptively diagnosed with a DBGI. Nineteen dogs received concurrent behavioral (environmental management, behavior medications, training techniques, behavior modification, and/or safety equipment) and gastrointestinal (diet modification, fiber supplementation, probiotics, and/or fecal transplant) interventions. Of which, 76% (13/17) showed clinical improvement in both areas once co-managed. Eighty-six percent (21/24) of dogs experienced ELT, with 90% (19/21) experiencing trauma between birth & 1 year; and 48% (10/21) during a critical neurodevelopmental window (birth to 12 weeks). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: This is the first description of concurrent behavioral and gastrointestinal management of presumptive canine DBGI with clinical improvement. It also identifies ELT in this population. Further research is required to develop diagnostic/treatment protocols for DBGI in dogs.
