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Posted: 16th February 2022

Survey reveals need for consensus on canine FMT
The survey demonstrated a wide variety of methods used for preparation, dosage and administration of FMT in dogs.
International survey demonstrates significant variety of methods used. 

An international survey of small animal veterinary surgeons has demonstrated a need for consensus and standard practices on canine gut bacteria transplants.

The survey, sent out by researchers at the the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, received responses from veterinary surgeons is 13 different countries, and highlighted variations in the way that the transplant is prepared for and donor is chosen, the amount of gut bacteria used, and the method of administration. 

Of the respondents, 71 per cent had never performed faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Of those who had, it was undertaken most often to manage long-term gastrointestinal disease – chronic enteropathy, and parvovirus infection. 

Responses also demonstrated that FMT was used as a therapy for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), bacterial infection, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and idiopathic diarrhoea in puppies. 

Respondents also reported using a variety of modes of administration, with enema being the most common, followed by endoscopically into the duodenum, endoscopically into the colon, endoscopically into the ileum, orally via naso-oesophagael or naso-gastric tube and other oral applications. 

Given the variety of methods demonstrated in the survey, researchers have established that a need for a consensus on standard practices to optimise the impact of FMT. 

Dr Silke Salavati, author of the observational study, and senior lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the Dick Vet, said: “Faecal microbiota transplantation holds great potential for alleviating serious complications that involve disturbances of the gut flora caused by drugs like antibiotics, but also for long-term gastrointestinal conditions in dogs, and is a relatively simple, inexpensive approach. 

“We hope our findings can help accelerate consensus in the vet community on how best to prepare, dose and administer this treatment, and inform donor selection, to support canine care and enable further research into the benefits of FMT.” 

The outcomes from the study will be used by veterinary professionals in the Companion Animal Faecal Bank Consortium to establish a protocol for preparation, dosing and administration of FMT in dogs. 

Published in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, the observational study is available to read online free of charge. 



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