New research looks at "dog breath
New research looks at the benefit of BLIS K12™ probiotic in dogs
BLIS Technologies Ltd (NZX:BLT)
announces the successful completion of the first phase in a
research programme, which focuses on preventing bad breath
in dogs. According to the programme leader at BLIS
Technologies, Dr John Hale the BLIS K12™ probiotic, which
is already known for its ability to inhibit bacteria
responsible for the severe bad breath in humans, has been
given to dogs to determine if bad breath can be reduced or
eliminated in companion animals.
“The trial was a pilot study to determine the viability of the BLIS K12™ probiotic in a dog’s mouth, using either a liquid and solid dose form” Hale said. “The results from this small pilot trial were encouraging enough to commence a longer, extended dosing trial in dogs, which started in Dunedin last week”
The study was made possible through
collaboration between BLIS Technologies and the Otago
Polytechnic School of Veterinary Nursing, where many of the
staff have volunteered their own dogs for the trial. BLIS
Technologies has already undertaken bench-top studies in
their own laboratory and found that their BLIS K12™
probiotic was able to inhibit around 50% of the various
bacteria of a dog’s mouth and this is a big part of the
reason why the Company has undertaken these trials in dogs.
Bacterial infections of the teeth and gums in dogs
and cats are increasing problem, according to the veterinary
industry and while BLIS Technologies is currently just
focused on bacterial bad breath in dogs, it is hoped that
the Company could eventually expand its research into the
animal periodontal area.
"This research
represents further evidence that the BLIS K12™ probiotic
is a highly versatile organism and plays an important role
in the Company’s commercial strategy " said Dr Barry
Richardson, Chief Executive of BLIS Technologies. "We
believe that this early data points to a beneficial effect
in dogs and we would expect further studies to confirm this
effect before commercialization in the animal market."
ends