Effect of a topically applied gel containing antibodies from bovine milk on the relative abundance of Staphylococci in the canine skin microbiome

Abstract

Canine pyoderma is characterised by a predominant colonisation of the skin with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and inflammatory symptoms associated with it. Immunoglobulins isolated from cow ss milk are neutralizing virulence factors and toxins of S. pseudintermedius. In a pilot study with four dogs with pyoderma we were able to show that the application of immunoglobulin gel leads to a decrease in the staphylococcal population and an increase in the diversity of the skin microbiome. Due to the limited number of animals, the measurable effect is not statistically significant. Therefore, we are planning a follow-up study that includes more animals.