This pilot study examines circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors (choline and L-carnitine) in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), with and without congestive heart failure (CHF). Findings indicate significantly higher levels of TMAO and its precursors in dogs with CHF, suggesting a potential role in heart disease progression. Further studies are needed to determine if TMAO is a cause or consequence of cardiovascular disease in dogs.

Obesity is a prevalent chronic disease that has significant negative impacts on humans and our companion animals, including dogs and cats. Obesity occurs with multiple comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. A direct link between lipid metabolism dysregulation and obesity-associated diseases has been implicated. However, the understanding of such pathophysiology in companion animals is limited. This review aims to address the role of lipid metabolism in various metabolic disorders associated with obesity, emphasizing the involvement of the gut microbiota.

The Companion Animal FMT Consortium aims to increase accessibility of FMT as a microbial-directed therapeutic for dogs and cats by simplifying and demystifying the process of performing FMT in clinical practice. These FMT clinical guidelines are intended for veterinarians in a variety of clinical practice types and can be modified and adapted as needed to align with financial and technical resources available to individual practitioners.

This clinical trial evaluated the impact of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on dogs with tylosin-responsive enteropathy (TRE), focusing on clinical symptoms, fecal consistency, and microbiome composition. The trial had four phases, including screening, re-introduction of tylosin, treatment with FMT or placebo, and a follow-up. Both FMT and placebo groups showed improved microbiome diversity after treatment. On average, 30.4% of donor bacterial strains engrafted in FMT recipients.

This study explores the species-level composition of the fecal microbiome in 286 healthy dogs in North America using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Researchers identified 23 bacterial species in the core microbiome, which made up 75% of the microbiome on average. This study highlights how factors like diet, geographic region, and body weight influenced microbiome diversity.

Obesity is a prevalent chronic disease that has significant negative impacts on humans and our companion animals, including dogs and cats. Obesity occurs with multiple comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. A direct link between lipid metabolism dysregulation and obesity-associated diseases has been implicated. However, the understanding of such pathophysiology in companion animals is limited. This review aims to address the role of lipid metabolism in various metabolic disorders associated with obesity, emphasizing the involvement of the gut microbiota.

Emerging research highlights the gut-kidney axis as a key factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats and dogs. Gut dysbiosis disrupts nutrient metabolism, leading to uremic toxin buildup, systemic inflammation, and worsening renal function. Studies, especially in cats, identify the gut microbiome as a promising therapeutic target. Strategies like dietary management, probiotics, adsorbents, and constipation management may help restore metabolic balance and support kidney health. This review explores the microbial influence on CKD and potential interventions for veterinarians.

A recent systematic review highlights how gut dysbiosis is closely linked to anxiety-related behaviors in dogs, underscoring the microbiome’s role in behavioral health. Innovative modalities, including fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), are showing promise as adjunctive therapies by helping to restore microbial balance and support a more holistic, integrative approach to managing canine anxiety.

The study investigates the impact of oral-fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the microbiomes of fifty-four dogs with chronic gastrointestinal issues. Results showed an increase in beneficial bacteria like Butyricicoccus and Faecalibacterium post-FMT, with microbiome changes influenced by diet and antibiotic history, highlighting the potential of FMT in modulating canine gut health.

This study found that individual differences in microbiota composition significantly influence how dietary fiber impacts colitis sensitivity. Personalized microbiota profiles can determine whether dietary fiber will have a protective or harmful effect on colitis.

This study investigates the role of the oral microbiome in Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a persistent inflammatory condition in cats. Researchers analyzed plaque samples from cats with FCGS, healthy cats, and cats with periodontitis or tooth resorption. Results showed significant microbiome imbalances (dysbiosis) in cats with FCGS, with notable differences in bacterial diversity across oral conditions. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the bacterial changes in FCGS and may help in improving diagnosis and treatment for this condition.

This study used Hi-C proximity ligation with shotgun sequencing to retrieve metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the fecal microbiomes of two domestic cats (Felis catus). The genomes were assessed for completeness and contamination, classified taxonomically, and annotated for putative antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes.

This study explores the effects of fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) in domestic cats with chronic digestive issues using oral capsules containing lyophilized stool. Changes in bacterial composition, including shifts in Clostridium, Collinsella, and Escherichia, were observed post-FMT, as well as donors sharing 13% of their bacterial variants with recipientsThe study suggests that FMT outcomes are influenced by the recipient's symptoms, diet, and donor microbiome.

This pilot study evaluated the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) using oral capsules in dogs with diarrhea. Five dogs were monitored for four months, and fecal consistency improved in two of the three dogs with diarrhea, with stable Bristol scale values after treatment. The microbiome gradually shifted toward a healthier balance, and the capsules' influence persisted throughout the study.

This study delves into the connection between gut health and diabetes in dogs. By analyzing the gut microbiome of healthy and diabetic dogs, researchers identified key differences in bacterial communities, potentially leading to innovative prevention and treatment strategies for canine diabetes.

This study investigates the blood microbiome in healthy dogs and dogs with chronic gastroenteropathies. Blood and fecal samples were collected from 18 healthy and 19 sick dogs, and the bacterial DNA was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed significant differences in the microbiome diversity between the two groups, with evidence suggesting bacterial translocation from the gut to the bloodstream. This research highlights the potential of using the blood microbiome as a diagnostic tool for monitoring gastrointestinal diseases in dogs.

This study investigated the bacteria, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and blood profiles in dogs with and without oral masses. In dogs with oral cancer or metastasis, higher levels of inflammatory markers, such as CRP and altered blood ratios, were observed compared to healthy dogs. Bacterial differences were noted, with Neisseria spp. being most common in healthy dogs, while Escherichia spp. increased in dogs with metastasis. The findings suggest a link between bacterial changes and inflammation in dogs with oral cancer, highlighting the need for further research on the relationship between specific bacteria, CRP, and cancer types.

This study provides a fecal microbiome dataset for healthy domestic cats, examining how age, diet, and living environment affect microbiome composition. Thirty core bacterial genera were identified, with Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Blautia among the most abundant. These comparisons of the microbiome across age, diet, and living conditions provides valuable insights for veterinarians, pet owners, and pet-related industries.

Pathogenic E. coli cause various infections, and lytic bacteriophages offer a potential treatment. This study investigated six lytic E. coli bacteriophages isolated from wastewater. A phage cocktail eliminated all strains within 6 hours and remained active for 8 months, highlighting its potential for treating E. coli infections.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising new therapy for dogs with gastrointestinal issues. However, safety concerns and a lack of understanding of its mechanisms limit its wider use. This paper reviews the current applications and efficacy of canine FMT, explores its potential mechanisms, and discusses future directions for research, including donor selection, recipient preparation, administration routes, stool storage, and potential applications beyond gastrointestinal disorders.

Antibiotics cause profound fecal microbiome alterations. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) administered orally or per enema on fecal microbiome recovery after tylosin treatment of healthy dogs.

A study to examine efficacy and toleration of oral capsule FMT treatment in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Chronic enteropathies are common gastrointestinal diseases in domestic dogs characterised by long-term duration, often impairing quality of life both for pets and owners. In this work, we report the encouraging results of a faecal transplantation on a 9-year-old dog suffering from chronic enteropathy for the last 3 years.

In dogs, antimicrobial therapy for Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) is based solely on metronidazole, leaving limited treatment options in case of recurrent disease. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been successfully used in humans with recurrent CDI, whereas the usefulness of this approach is largely unknown in dogs. In the present study, a dog with a chronic-recurring diarrhea was treated with FMT via colonoscopy. The present research suggested that FMT could be a useful tool to treat recurrent CDI in dogs.

In canine medicine, FMT administered via enema seems to be beneficial in acute gastrointestinal disorders. Repeat FMT treatments shortened duration to return of formed feces and hospital stay in puppies with parvovirus infections. In addition, a single FMT was superior to metronidazole in the treatment of acute enteritis. The effects of FMT in chronic gastrointestinal disorders are much less well documented, although the existing data consisting of case reports and small case series seem to document that the technique may be beneficial in some instances. However, more data are needed to define which canine patients could be helped by FMT.

In human medicine, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. It has also been tested as a treatment for multiple gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, only a few studies have focused on the changes in the microbiome following FMT for canine IBD. Here, we performed FMT in nine dogs with IBD using the fecal matter of healthy dogs and investigated the subsequent changes in the fecal microbiome and clinical signs.

The aim of this study was to characterize differences in fecal consistency, and fecal microbiota and metabolome profiles in dogs with acute diarrhea (AD) treated with either fecal microbiota transplantation as enema (FMT; n = 11) or oral metronidazole (MET; n = 7) for 7 days and observed for 28 days. Dogs treated with FMT had improved fecal consistency moreover MET dogs and their fecal microbiome and metabolome were clustered closer to the healthy control at day 28.

This study investigated the impact of consuming a commercial E. coli-targeting bacteriophage cocktail on the gut microbiome of healthy adults. In a placebo-controlled trial, participants consumed phages for 28 days. While phage consumption reduced E. coli levels, it did not significantly disrupt overall gut microbiome diversity. However, specific bacterial populations shifted, including increases in beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria. Inflammatory markers and lipid metabolism remained largely unchanged, except for a small decrease in interleukin-4. These findings suggest that bacteriophages can selectively target specific gut bacteria without broadly disrupting the microbial community.

A study on the effects of SCFP on fecal characteristics, apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD), fecal fermentative end-products, fecal microbiota, immune responses, and diet palatability were tested.

This case study reports the successful use of oral fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in an 8-month-old French bulldog. After receiving fecal material from a healthy donor, the dog's stool consistency and frequency normalized within 2-3 days, and tests for C. difficile antigen and toxins were negative. The findings suggest that oral FMT may be an effective treatment for C. difficile-induced colitis in dogs and could have broader applications for other gastrointestinal diseases.

This pilot study examines circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors (choline and L-carnitine) in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), with and without congestive heart failure (CHF). Findings indicate significantly higher levels of TMAO and its precursors in dogs with CHF, suggesting a potential role in heart disease progression. Further studies are needed to determine if TMAO is a cause or consequence of cardiovascular disease in dogs.

This study compared the effects of probiotics versus autologous fecal microbiome transplantation (aFMT) on gut microbiome recovery after antibiotic use in mice and humans. Probiotics delayed gut microbiome and gene expression recovery, while aFMT resulted in a rapid and near-complete recovery. These findings suggest that probiotics may hinder post-antibiotic gut recovery, highlighting the need for alternative approaches like aFMT or personalized probiotics.

The Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC) includes species found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, acting as pathobionts, zoonotic agents, and contributors to food fermentation. While some SBSEC members are linked to disease, further genomic studies are needed to clarify SBSEC pathogenicity, host specificity, and potential health risks for humans, animals, and food safety.

Examining diarrhea caused by parvovirus infections in dogs and lowering both the length of treatment and mortality rates through modification of the microbiome.

This study examined the relationship between diarrhea, dysbiosis, and the presence of C. perfringens and its enterotoxin (CPE) in healthy and diseased dogs. C. perfringens was present in all dogs, but enterotoxigenic strains were detected in 33.7% of healthy and 48.1% of diseased dogs. CPE was found in 16.3% of diseased dogs versus 1.0% of controls. Diseased dogs exhibited significant microbial shifts and dysbiosis occurred independently of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens or CPE. These findings suggest that while CPE and dysbiosis are associated with GI disease, C. perfringens alone is not a definitive cause, warranting further investigation into intestinal dysbiosis.

"This study analyzed antibiotic resistance in canine and feline Escherichia coli isolates collected from Auburn University and commercial diagnostic labs across four U.S. regions. Resistance rates varied significantly among antibiotics, with amoxicillin (46%) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (37%) showing the highest resistance, while trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (19%) was most effective. Bimodal MIC distributions suggest regional differences in resistance, potentially limiting empirical treatment options. "

"Several clinical trials and experimental studies strongly suggest a place for Saccharomyces boulardii as a biotherapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of several gastrointestinal diseases. S. boulardii mediates responses resembling the protective effects of the normal healthy gut flora. The multiple mechanisms of action of S. boulardii and its properties may explain its efficacy and beneficial effects in acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases that have been confirmed by clinical trials. "

To test whether canine feces serve as a reservoir for extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC), environmental fecal samples were analyzed using selective culturing, virulence genotyping, hemagglutination testing, O serotyping, and PCR-based phylotyping. ExPEC was identified in 30% of samples, predominantly carrying the papG allele III, linked to human infections. These findings suggest canine feces may serve as a significant ExPEC reservoir for human acquisition.