Anti-inflammatory effects of Saccharomyces boulardii treatment in dogs naturally infected with canine parvovirus

This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate whether the adjunctive administration of Saccharomyces boulardii ( S. boulardii ) to standard treatment could accelerate clinical recovery and improve hematological indicators of systemic inflammation in dogs with naturally occurring canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis. Additionally, the study assessed the levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) associated with inflammatory pathways. This study consisted of three groups, each with 10 dogs aged 3–5 months. The control group comprised apparently healthy dogs. Group 1 received standard treatment, and Group 2 received S. boulardii plus standard treatment. Clinical scores were recorded on Days 0 and 5 in the study and control groups, and blood samples were collected on Days 0 and 5 in the study and control groups. Complete blood count, serum biochemical analyses, and serum NF-κB and serum IL-8 values were investigated. Compared to standard treatment alone, S. boulardii administration in addition to standard treatment rapidly improved clinical scores in dogs with CPV, significantly increased white blood cell count, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, decreased IL-8 and NF-κB concentrations, increased albumin concentrations, and decreased alanine aminotransferase activities. In conclusion, it was determined that S. boulardii administration, in addition to standard treatment, in parvovirus-infected dogs could be beneficial for rapidly improving clinical scores and reducing inflammation.