Restore and Recovery
Help pets regain balance and resilience after gastrointestinal upset
The gut plays an intrinsic role to overall health in companion animals, and we have long since thought of it only as a digestive organ. As well as being the gateway for nutrient intake the gut is a key organ in immunity and overall wellbeing.
The GI (gastrointestinal) tract has an influence over the brain via the gut-brain axis. This bidirectional communication network enables the gut and brain to constantly communicate with one another. The brain can influence gut function, and the gut can send signals to the brain, affecting mood, behaviour, and even cognitive function1.
The gut is also closely linked to the immune system, with a healthy and balanced microbiome supporting effective immune responses2. Understanding these sophisticated links to the wider body, and appreciating the importance of the microbiome and the physical structure of the gut lining, matters hugely when considering clinical outcomes.
The microbiome is well understood as an ecosystem of trillions of living organisms, made up of bacteria, yeasts, viruses and other microbes. The microbiome is established at birth and continues to evolve through life, being influenced by factors such as diet, stress, medication, environment and age. A diverse and balanced microbiome is associated with better nutrient absorption, and immune defences3.
Dysbiosis refers to disruption to the normal composition of the gut microbiome and can result from antibiotic usage, dietary changes, stress or ill health (chronic or acute). When in dysbiosis, the “good bacteria” typically decline, while “bad bacteria” proliferate. This results in reduced short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, impaired barrier function and increased gut inflammation4.
The GI Tract is exposed to high levels of dietary antigens, microbes and environmental contaminants and as such plays a large role in immunity. It must remain tolerant to non-harmful stimuli while also being capable to mount a rapid response to pathogens. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is located throughout the GI tract, and acts as sites for antigen sampling and initiating immune responses.
Mammalian GALT is chronically activated by the intestinal microbiota throughout life5. As such, the microbiome influences B cell engagement with pathogens and propagates IGA responses5. This ongoing “training” helps the individual develop tolerance for benign antigens and priming a response to pathogens. The status of the microbiome therefore has a direct impact on the effectiveness of the GALT and immune defences. Dysbiosis can disrupt the GALT activation resulting in chronic inflammation or hypersensitivity reactions.
The microbiome also has a direct effect on the structure of the gut, specifically the epithelial junction integrity. As the largest mucosal surface of the body, the GI tract has a close relationship with the microbiome. The gut mucosa is a sophisticated tissue which facilitates the absorption and digestion of nutrients, acts as the first line of defence to pathogens and regulates metabolism via endocrine signalling. The gut microbiome has an effect on the different cells that constitute the lumen lining, by strengthening tight junctions between cells, promoting mucus production, and modulating inflammatory signalling pathways, regulating the intestinal epithelial barrier function6.
When the integrity of the mucosa is compromised, whereby the epithelial barrier has larger gaps between cells with increased intestinal permeability, it can lead to systemic inflammation, dysbiosis, and a heightened risk of chronic disease, often known as “leaky gut syndrome”.
When the barrier function of the GI tract is compromised due to leaky gut syndrome pathogens which would ordinarily move through the intestines can move more freely across the intestinal lining and enter the systemic circulation. Leaky gut can occur from infection, trauma to the abdomen or toxin/medication overdose but the majority of cases result from long term intestinal damage and chronic microbiome imbalance.
Acute and chronic GI upset cases are frequently seen in clinics around the country. Anything from acute diarrhoea to more chronic cases involving weight loss, lethargy and abdominal pain are not unusual. However, due to the microbiome’s far-reaching influence dysbiosis can have an effect in many ways, including:
Intestinal inflammation
Obesity7
Pruritus
Behavioural changes
Metabolic diseases8
Cancer9
Neurologic disfunctions10
When GI health is compromised restoring the function and integrity of the gut and microbiome is essential. Alongside appropriate hydration and balanced nutrition the use of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics can help restore the balance of the microbiome.
Probiotics: Non-digestible fibres such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. By providing fermentable fuel, prebiotics help restore microbial diversity, encourage the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and improve the overall resilience of the microbiome.
Prebiotics: Live microorganisms that help populate a healthy microbiome. They help produce antimicrobial substances, modulate immune responses and promote epithelial integrity and repair.
Postbiotics: Bioactive compounds produced by probiotic microbes during fermentation. A safe and stable way to deliver some of the key benefits of probiotics such as anti-inflammatory activity, immune modulation, and barrier support.
Attention must also be given to the intestinal mucosal barrier, and plasma-proteins can help support epithelial regeneration, support junction integrity and promote mucosal healing11.
With these challenges in mind, ProRestore has been developed to support gut health and recovery. Its blend of pre-, pro- and postbiotics and plasma protein helps to restore the balance of the microbiome. It also helps to reinforce the intestinal mucosa and help with nutrient uptake. The triple-action symbiotic nutritional supplement is designed to not only support gut integrity, but enhance gut-associated immune function in dogs and cats.
ProRestore can be given to cats and dogs in times of acute GI upset to help support the gut, or ahead of stressful situations such as travelling or vet visits to provide the best possible environment for the microbiome.
When functioning optimally the GI tract is a sophisticated and dynamic system. It is key to remember the microbiome plays a central role in digestion and immunity and a diverse balanced microbiome is desired for best health. Via both the GALT and physical structure of the epithelial lining of the mucosa, the microbiome influences the immune and health status of the animal. Dysbiosis can lead to chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity or physical alteration within the gut causing increased permeability and subsequent systemic effects.
Targeted nutritional support, including prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and mucosal nutrients like plasma proteins, offers a practical and science-backed way to aid gut recovery and restore balance.Click here for references
Triple-action symbiotic combining multispecies prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to help restore gut microbiota and gut immunity.
The combined approach of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics can help:
Restore the balance of intestinal microflora
Digestion and nutrient uptake
Create a healthy intestinal immune system
Reinforce the intestinal mucosa
The barrier to pathogenic bacteria
Allow for immediate support alongside helping reestablish the healthy, balanced microbial population
Key ingredients:
Feeding & Use
Companion animals
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Acute diarrhoea is one of the most frequent reasons for veterinary visits, especially in dogs. Historically, antibiotics were commonly prescribed for diarrhoea but awareness of antibiotic stewardship, alongside a focus on evidence-based medicine has led to a shift in treatment practices.
Most acute diarrhoea cases are not caused by pathogenic bacteria5 and studies have shown that there is no association between antibiotic use and resolution of clinical signs.6 Inappropriate antibiotic use can also cause dysbiosis5 and result in long-lasting alterations in the gut microbiome. The resolution of acute canine diarrhoea is more positively associated with the use of gastrointestinal nutraceuticals and dietary modification than with antibiotics.7
While antibiotics are typically avoided in most diarrhoea cases, there are specific situations where their use is warranted:
Significant immunosuppression: patients with conditions like parvovirus are at high risk for bacterial translocation from the GI tract
Intestinal mucosal barrier compromise: conditions such as haemorrhagic enteritis increase the likelihood of bacterial translocation across the intestinal wall
Identified pathogens: when a specific pathogen, such as enteroinvasive Escherichia coli is identified
Antimicrobial-responsive diarrhoea (ARD): metronidazole is often used in ARD, although some patients may respond better to tetracyclines
In most other cases, alternative options such as prebiotics, probiotics and adsorbents should be prioritised over antibiotics.
Diarrhoea, regardless of its underlying cause, generally results from reduced water absorption by the GI tract (osmotic diarrhoea) or increased water secretion (secretory diarrhoea). This can lead to significant physiological disturbances, including:
Dehydration
Loss of electrolytes
Inflammation
Microbiome alteration
Changes to the mucous lining of the GI tract
Damage to enterocytes
So, in addition to fluid replacement and dietary management (highly digestible gastro-intestinal support diets or low-fat diets for example), prebiotics and probiotics play an essential role in supporting recovery and restoring GI health.
Adsorbents such as Diosmectite (also known as bentonite or montmorillonite), are also effective in managing diarrhoea by absorbing water and adsorbing toxins and pathogens. These compounds help stabilise the intestinal environment, support normal immune function and maintain mucosal integrity.
Diosmectite is 50 times more effective than kaolin, due to its unique layered structure and cation exchange properties, which enhance its water absorption capacity.
PrebioticsIndigestible carbohydrates that help encourage the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria.
Commonly used prebiotics include oligosaccharides such as:
Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS)
Fructo oligosaccharides (FOS)
These compounds act as a nutrient source and also as substrates for the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which nourish the intestinal epithelium and have anti-inflammatory effects.
Probiotics
Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host.9
Commonly used probiotics in veterinary medicine include:
Enterococcus
Lactobacillus
Bifidobacterium
The mechanism of action varies depending on the species and strain, but in general, probiotics promote a healthy microbial balance, support healthy digestion and aid in normal immune function. Moreover, in cases where antibiotics are indicated, probiotics help mitigate the impact on the gut microbiome.
Probiotic Digestive paste combines Diosmectite with prebiotics and probiotics to reduce acute intestinal adsorptive disorders during diarrhoea and to support recovery after clinical signs have resolved.
Low-fat content - provides additional support for recovery from severe diarrhoea
Electrolytes - helps to restore and maintain electrolyte balance in the body.
Essential energy source - formulated with dextrose and glutamine
Probiotic Digestive Paste combines Diosmectite with prebiotics and probiotics for the reduction of acute intestinal absorptive disorders during periods of and recovery from acute diarrhoea.
Probiotic Digestive Paste contains:
Prebiotic – MOS prebiotic supports the intestinal flora and binding of pathogens, preventing adhesion to the intestinal wall so they are excreted.
Probiotic – live bacteria and yeasts to aid recovery
Amino Acid – glutamine is a major source of energy for enterocytes that supports and enhances the absorption of water and salts.
Energy Supply – instant source of energy for when the digestive system is compromised.
Immune – beta glucan helps provide favourable conditions for natural flora.
Electrolytes – helps restore electrolyte levels
Paste in dial-a-dose syringe
15ml/30ml/60ml options
Palatable formulation
Wide syringe tip for ease of application
Code
Description
Size
929517
Probiotic Digestive Paste
60ml
929505
30ml
929499
15ml
