FECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANTATION IN DOGS AND CATS: CLINICAL APPLICABILITY AND THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES – LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the applicability of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as an adjunctive therapy for the recovery of the intestinal microbiome in dogs and cats with antimicrobial-associated dysbiosis, with emphasis on metronidazole use. A narrative literature review was conducted through searches in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, as well as in scientific journals, virtual libraries, and academic repositories. Recent studies and classical works addressing the intestinal microbiota, dysbiosis, antimicrobial use, and FMT in humans and animals were considered, with a qualitative analysis of the available evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and applicability of this therapy. The literature reviewed indicates promising results for FMT in the management of various gastrointestinal disorders, with clinical benefits reported in dogs and well-established evidence in human medicine. Despite the recent publication of guidelines for performing the procedure, practical limitations to the application of FMT in veterinary medicine remain. Among these, the need for access to appropriately screened donors is particularly relevant, as fecal microbiota cannot be stored in a manner equivalent to blood banks due to the potential loss of viability of certain microorganisms during storage. In addition, the high cost of tests used to assess the Dysbiosis Index may hinder microbiota characterization and the appropriate selection of donors.