First diagnostic test for canine IBD now available

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Antech Diagnostics (part of Mars Veterinary Health), has announced the availability of its Canine CE-IBD assay, the first blood test for canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (also known as chronic enteropathy, or CE).

Identifying IBD in dogs is traditionally invasive, time-consuming, and costly, but this new blood test allows for a rapid result of “consistent with CE/IBD" or "not consistent with CE/IBD,” according to a company release. It works by incorporating data from three biomarkers—for gliadin sensitivity (similar to gluten sensitivity), bacterial proliferation (Escherichia coli), and intestinal inflammation—to determine possible causes of a dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) signs.

The use of biomarkers, according to a recently published supporting study,¹ helps veterinarians determine whether IBD is present, reinforce the need for additional diagnostics, develop more individualized treatment plans, and possibly monitor therapeutic response.

“The opportunity to rule in or rule out IBD early, identify possible causes and use evidence-based medicine to help pet owners understand care recommendations—all quickly and cost-effectively—allow us to treat a dog who is suffering faster,” said Jennifer Ogeer, BSc, DVM, MSc, MBA, MA, vice president of Medical Affairs & Commercial Marketing at Antech, in the release. “We can inspire confidence in a worried pet owner and gain ongoing commitment to our care recommendations, ultimately supporting a dogs rapid return to health.”

The Canine CE-IBD assay can be used when a dog has been experiencing GI signs for a minimum of 3 to 7 days, although results are more accurate when signs persist for at least 3 weeks. The test is currently available to US veterinarians, with availability in Canada following the end of COVID-19–related travel restrictions.

Learn more about this new blood test here.

Reference

1. Estruch, JJ, Barken, D, Bennett, N, et al. Evaluation of novel serological markers and autoantibodies in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2020;34:1177 1186. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15761