“Bacteria is our Gut’s Best Friend”
Research has documented that the intestinal microbiome plays a big role in individual health. Bacteria in the gut assist in the digestion of nutrients, synthesize vitamins, prevent infection, impact the immune system, and promote the development of several organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract and brain. In fact, the intestinal microbiome influences virtually every tissue in the body. Studies have shown associations between the intestinal microbiome and obesity, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, autism, schizophrenia, and a variety of other diseases in humans and animals.
Therapeutic approaches to improve intestinal health currently include diet, probiotics, antibiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiome transplantation. Most of these treatments have varying degrees of effectiveness. Fecal microbiome transplantation is in the early stages of investigation and as more is learned about these therapies, they will become more focused and effective. Currently, in the human field, they are used for treatment of Clostridium difficile infections that are not responsive to antibiotics, as well as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, constipation, enterocolitis and Parkinson’s!
When do I know this treatment is right for my pet?
- Cancer
- Recovering from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroidal treatment
- Constipation
- Inappetence and/or poor body condition
- Food sensitivities
- Asthma
- Chronic or intermittent diarrhea
- Chronic or intermittent vomiting
- Chronic skin conditions, including allergies, lupus and much more
- Fecal Incontinence
- Young and not thriving (minimal weight gain, etc), orphaned or weaned too early from mother
- Recovering from antibiotic treatment
- And…..anytime your pet is suffering from any illness that is compromising their overall health!!
What is involved?
There is a bank of carefully screened fecal material from healthy donors, in which a variety of factors are considered and tested for. In addition to standard pathogen and parasites
Screening, donors must have no current or past health concerns, whether physical or behavioral, and they must have no history of systemic antibiotic use. They must also be of a mature age to have developed enough diverse microbiome, but young enough for that diversity to be fully intact! Mountain View Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Care only carries and gives highly tested and trusted sources of fecal content.
How is it administered?
Fecal transplants may be administered in three ways, often depending on the severity of the ailment:
- Rectally, via enema (typically uses fresh or frozen material).
- Orally, via enteric-coated capsules sold only to veterinarians. The capsules contain pre-screened material prepared with all-natural ingredients that remain stable at room temperature while retaining high viability. Enteric coatings are made of long-chain carbohydrates that prevent capsule contents from being destroyed by stomach acid.
- Less often, orally, via nasoduodenal intubation and enteroscopy (typically uses fresh or frozen material).
*Frequency is determined based on condition of pet. Discuss individual recommendations with your holistic pet care veterinarian.
Reference https://ivcjournal.com/mbrt-immune-system/ for more information and studies.