Modulation of the intestinal microbiome has become one of the fastest‑growing areas in veterinary medicine. The microbiome, now understood as a true metabolic and immunological organ, influences digestive, immune and neurological processes, opening new therapeutic avenues for dogs and cats. Among these strategies, probiotics represent the most accessible tool in daily practice, while faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is emerging as a promising alternative in selected patients.
Dysbiosis—defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiome—is associated with multiple digestive and extra‑digestive diseases. Tools such as the Dysbiosis Index allow an objective assessment of microbial imbalance. In this context, probiotics act through multifactorial mechanisms: competition with pathogens, production of antimicrobial substances, reinforcement of the intestinal barrier and immune modulation. Their efficacy, however, depends strongly on the specific strain used.
FMT aims to restore eubiosis by transferring microbiota from a healthy donor. Although standardisation is still evolving, the procedure is considered safe when strict donor selection and screening protocols are applied.
Microbiome modulation also shows potential in dermatology, neurology, hepatology and nephrology, although more robust studies are needed before definitive recommendations can be made.
Article by Raquel Santiago Tostado, DVM, Dipl. ECVIM‑CA, Internal Medicine Specialist.
Read the full article here: Probiotics and Faecal Transplant in Veterinary Care
