Evaluation of changes in gut microbiotas in dogs with hypothyroidism

This study aimed to identify microbial changes associated with hypothyroidism in dogs aged 3 to 7 years. Three groups were established: healthy dogs, those undergoing treatment for hypothyroidism, and newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients. Hemogram, biochemical, and fecal microbiome samples were collected from each group for analysis. Results indicated that levels of Sorangium cellulosum were high in healthy dogs, while Thalassobaculum sp. OXR-137 and Thermococcus sp. Bubb.Bath were elevated in hypothyroid dogs. In the newly diagnosed group, high levels of Lactobacillus jensenii and other species were observed. Additionally, Sphingomonadaceae and Enterococcaceae families were found in varying proportions across all groups, with differences in Lactobacillaceae, Streptomycetaceae, and Bacillaceae families in hypothyroid patients. The group receiving treatment exhibited higher levels of Lachnospiraceae and Enterococcaceae. In conclusion, the metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiota in dogs with hypothyroidism revealed that Enterococcaceae and Sphingomonadaceae bacteria were present in all groups, although their abundances varied. Dysbiosis was observed in Group II, while Group III exhibited a more balanced microbiome structure. The presence of Acidplasma cupricumulans exclusively in hypothyroid dogs necessitates further investigation to clarify its relationship with hypothyroidism.