What is FMT and how can it help my pet?
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) has gained significant recognition in the field of human medicine for its remarkable potential in treating various gastrointestinal disorders, especially C.diff infection. FMT actually dates back to ancient times with use in Chinese Medicine from the 3rd century A.D. It has re-emerged in the 1950s but has really gained traction in the last couple of years!
FMT is not limited to humans alone. “Transfaunation” as it has been known, has been a well known therapy in both rabbit and cattle medicine. In recent years, veterinarians have started exploring the benefits of FMT for companion animals like dogs and cats, particularly in the realms of chronic gut issues, skin allergies, obesity and even behaviour cases.
While evidence exists for use of FMT for dogs and cats, it is still considered both experimental and cutting edge.
You can see it mentioned here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.923013/full and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9413255/
FMT involves the transfer of healthy and diverse microbial communities from a donor to a recipient, aiming to restore the balance of the gut microbiome and subsequently improve intestinal homeostasis/balance to the gut lining, gut-associated immune system and whole body inflammation levels. By introducing a broad range of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, FMT can help combat dysbiosis, a condition characterized by an imbalance of gut flora.
At ANVC we have employed this technique for several years as part of a wider strategy known as microbiota restoration therapy (MBRT), an approach pioneered by Dr Margo Roman, in addition to Bowel Detoxification and Restoration approaches developed by ANVC Founder Dr Barbara Fougere.
At ANVC, Gut-brain axis medicine is a core area of focus for myself and a special interest area for our in-house Naturopath, Mio Royce.
We have been operating a microbiome testing service (employing Texas A&M Dysbiosis Index and other microbiome tests) and maintaining a donor stool bank from exceptionally healthy donor dogs.
Screening donors for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a crucial step to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure.
The specific factors we consider when screening potential canine donors include:
Lifestyle Screen: We work to understand the donor dog's dietary habits, including the type of food they consume, feeding schedule, and any dietary restrictions. Also, consider factors like the dog's living environment, exposure to other animals, and general lifestyle habits. We generally select dogs who are eating a raw or lightly cooked wholefood diet.
Medication Screen: We then obtain information about the donor's recent medication usage, including antibiotics or other medications that can alter the gut microbiota composition. We generally look for dogs that have never had antibiotics or PPI medication.
Health Evaluation: We ensure that the canine donor is in good overall health by conducting a thorough physical examination, reviewing medical records, and assessing any pre-existing medical conditions. Dogs with any active gastrointestinal or systemic diseases including allergies and anxiety are not considered as donors.
Microbiome Testing: We analysie the donor dog’s stool sample to determine if their microbiome contains suitable levels of key-stone beneficial bacteria and diversity, and ensure they do not have an emerging subclinical (meaning undetectable) dysbiosis themselves. This analysis helps determine the overall health and suitability of the donor's microbiome for FMT.
Infectious Disease Testing: If their microbiome seems optimal, we then test the donor dog for common infectious diseases that can be transmitted through FMT. This may include screening for bacterial pathogens like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium difficile, as well as viral infections such as canine parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis. Additionally, screening for parasites like Giardia and intestinal worms is important.
Vaccination History: We ensure that the donor has adequate vaccination antibody titre levels, as certain diseases can be transmitted through FMT.
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) holds tremendous promise in the field of chronic disease prevention and management. By restoring balance and diversity to the gut microbiome, FMT may help address various gastrointestinal disorders, alleviate allergies, regulate immune responses (cancer and autoimmune disease). More research is needed however.
If you feel like FMT is something you would like to explore with your pet, we recommend an initial holistic consultation with one of our Integrative Vets or a naturopath consultation with Dr Mio Royce.
Importantly, before FMT, we would focus on understanding the issue your pet may be facing, including some functional testing (B12, microbiome testing, liver health for instance), consider diet changes, especially instituting a low glycemic-load fibre-enriched whole-food diet, perhaps with a novel protein, considering herbal medicines, probiotics, acupuncture and other nutritional supplements before determining whether FMT is something that should be explored. Often we can solve issues and restore intestinal balance without needing to use this therapy, but it is something we decide on an individualised basis in conjunction with you the pet parent.
If we decide to undergo FMT we usually do some gut-preparation work including some herbal treatments and discuss stress management. We usually need to perform 1 to 3 transplants over several months.
To learn more do not hesitate to contact our friendly team.
If you are based in Sydney and think your pet would be an ideal donor then feel free to reach out as we are always looking to grow our stool bank.
For more information:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33131919/
