Behavioral Disorders
Effect of Synbiotics on Anxiety in Shelter Dogs
Duygu Dalğın*, Yücel Meral*, Emre Küllük*, Umut B. Ağan*, Saba Raouf*
*Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine
20 Kangal dogs (n=20) showing generalized anxiety symptoms in Sivas shelter were randomly divided into two groups and the effects of synbiotic suplement (SynbioCure) on anxiety were evaluated on the basis of Lincoln Canine Anxiety Scale, plasma serotonin and plasma cortisol levels. Within the scope of the study, 20 dogs that had been in the shelter for at least 2 months and fed the same food, had a grade of 30 or higher in the Lincoln Canine Anxiety Scale, were used.
The dogs were divided into two equal groups, and a synbiotic combination containing Lactobacillus acidophilus CECT 4529 1x1011 cfu, Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 1x1011 cfu and inulin (Synbiocure® Yeniçağ Ecza) was given to 10 dogs in the study group for 30 days. Anxiety scale grading, serum cortisol and serotonin levels were determined at the beginning and at the end of the study.
More positive decreases were observed in the parameters defined according to the Lincoln Canine Anxiety Scale in the study group. Serum serotonin levels increased much greater on study group. Serum cortisol levels dropped much greater on study group.
