QUARTERLY BEAT / JULY 2024
and the dogs were treated with one single FMT. AHDS is an aggressive condition, associated with necrotizing inflammation. Therefore, it may be necessary to use multiple FMTs, as in the study on parvovirus. In dogs with chronic enteropathies (CE), there is evidence from several case reports and case series that FMT can decrease disease activity. A recently published retrospective study of 41 dogs with poorly responsive CE showed that FMT as adjunctive therapy could reduce disease activity. 8 Several rectal FMTs (median 3) were given as a series of treatments. Clinical improvement was noted in 31/41 dogs. The majority showed further improvement after FMT two or three. Improvement was indicated by a significant reduction of canine IBD activity index after FMT. A similar beneficial effect of repeated FMTs has been shown in people with IBD. 9,10 In 10/31 dogs, the maintenance dose of corticosteroids could be tapered to lower doses after FMT. Likewise, the use of antibiotics could be reduced or stopped in 3 dogs. The most common clinical response was increased activity level in 24/31 dogs and improved faecal quality in 24/31 dogs.8 Some dogs also experienced less frequent flare-ups or milder flare-ups, weight gain, and improved appetite after FMT.
(IBS) for up to 6 months post-FMT. 11 Increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by beneficial microbes is likely a contributing reason. Short-chain fatty acids stimulate the enterochromaffin cells to synthesize and secrete serotonin. Serotonin is a very important modulator of the gut-brain axis. Many beneficial intestinal microbes can also synthesize neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, Y-amino butyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and noradrenaline, which can have a local effect in the gut, but also modulate the brain and behaviour. DONOR SCREENING, FMT DOSE, AND PREPARATION OF FAECES Screening should be performed to find a donor with lots of beneficial microbes and no potential faecal pathogens. Donors should be re-tested every 6 months. Recommendations for donor screening are available in Table 1.
Improved quality of life and reduced fatigue have been shown in RCTs in people with IBD as well as irritable bowel syndrome
WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS
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