Functional Feed Additives Enhance Tear Staining Managements in Dogs

Tear staining is a common yet underestimated condition that impairs appearance and may indicate underlying health issues in dogs. This study explored the effects of the traditional Chines herbs Chrysanthemum morifolium (CM), cassia semen (CS), and Poria cocos (PC) in dogs prone to tear staining. All three treatments reduced tear staining scores and stain length. Moreover, CS and PC improved iron and porphyrin status, immune function, and antioxidant capacity. Notably, CM and PC increased the abundance of genus Allobaculum which also associated with tear staining indices and porphyrin metabolites. These findings suggest that PC, CS, and PC may serve as promising non-antibiotic dietary strategies for managing tear staining in dogs.

泪痕是犬类常见却常被忽视的外观异常问题，同时可能暗示机体存在潜在健康隐患。本研究针对易患泪痕的犬只，探究了杭白菊（Chrysanthemum morifolium，CM）、决明子（cassia semen，CS）及茯苓（Poria cocos，PC）三种传统中药材的干预效果。三种干预方式均可降低泪痕评分与泪痕长度。此外，CS与PC还可改善机体铁代谢与卟啉状态、免疫功能及抗氧化能力。值得注意的是，CM与PC可提升阿洛杆菌属（Allobaculum）的丰度，该菌属丰度亦与泪痕相关指标及卟啉代谢产物显著相关。上述研究结果表明，CM、CS与PC均可作为极具潜力的非抗生素类膳食干预策略，用于犬类泪痕的管理。