AnimalBiome conducted a study on 40 dogs and 72 cats who had diagnosed or suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Each pet was given an AnimalBiome Gut Restore Supplement (fecal transplant in a capsule) twice per day, for 25 days. After the supplement course was finished, 80% of the dogs and 83% of the cats in the study were reported to have improved clinical signs or symptoms of IBD, such as reduced frequency of diarrhea and better formed stool.
In addition to symptom relief, about half of the dogs and a quarter of the cats in this study also were reported to have an increase in appetite with some having a beneficial weight gain in this short period of time.
This study highlights that even though fecal microbiota transplants can’t cure IBD, it can be an effective tool to improve symptoms and quality of life for pets. This is true for other diseases, and scientists are continuing to learn about the therapeutic benefits of FMTs for many different conditions.