Sym-bi-o-sis: a close association, usually a mutually beneficial relationship, between two different organisms
Mircobes: we work so hard to eliminate them. But while some of them really are out there to get us, the vast majority are actually necessary for life! Did you know, for example, that a human body is only about 10% actual human cells? We are only 10% ourselves, the rest are bacteria. We really just are walking petri dishes! Talking about some serious symbiosis ...
The majority of these microbes are found within the digestive tract.
Given all that, perhaps it would make sense that these microbes got some respect, whether in our own bodies or the bodies of our dogs.
Some seem to believe that probiotics are the answer to about anything; some feel that all that hype is bogus. I think there might be more to them than meets the eye.
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Researchers at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recently conducted a study to compare the use of probiotics vs. metronidazole to treat acute diarrhea caused by stress colitis in shelter dogs.
Conclusion?
The researchers concluded the probiotics are an equally effective treatment to the traditional antibiotic regime for the treatment of acute diarrhea in shelter dogs, and that antibiotic-treated dogs with limited improvement appeared to benefit significantly from subsequent probiotic treatment.
I love metronidazole, because it has always worked when Jasmine's GI tract needed some extra help. On the other hand, I always feel conflicted about giving another round of antibiotics. So to me such a study is very interesting.
Some experts believe that the benefits of balanced gut flora go far beyond the GI tract.
It would make sense to me. The GI tract is an important part of the immune system. The gut flora is involved in production of vitamins and other important processes. Hopefully more studies on the benefits of probiotics are under way.
Source article: Why Give Antibiotics When This Natural Supplement Works Just as Well?
Related articles:
Unsung Heroes: Probiotics
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