Unidentified Factor(s) in Yeast and Liver Essential to Cure of Achromotrichia in Dogs on Synthetic Diets

Abstract

Pups fed purified diets received synthetic B-complex supplements orally or by injection throughout the experiment. The response to both types of vitamin administration appeared to be equal. The growing dogs receiving thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, pantothenate, pyridoxine, and choline developed achromotrichia and decreased hair growth in 2 to 11 months on the diet. Two of the dogs finally failed after reaching maturity on the synthetic diet. Inositol, p-aminobenzoic acid, or biotin were ineffective in changing the course of the deficiency, whereas liver fractions or whole dried yeast brought about complete cures. General improvement in body tone and in the blood picture ran parallel to the cure of achromotrichia in the dogs which received yeast or liver.