Restoring the gut, restoring the whole animal

Much of your animal’s health starts in the gut. When the balance of gut microbes is lost, problems such as chronic diarrhoea, itchy skin, allergies or weak immunity can follow. Faecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is a natural, low-risk way to rebuild a healthy gut. I offer it here at the practice for both dogs and cats.

What is it?

The technical term is fecal microbiota transplantation, or FMT. We prefer to call it microbiome restorative therapy, because it better captures what we’re actually doing: restoring a healthy ecosystem. When given as a rectal installation, the procedure is quick and non-sedated, and most pets tolerate it very well. Think of it as delivering a garden full of the right plants to soil that has been depleted.

We transfer healthy, screened gut microbes from a carefully checked donor into your animal’s gut. Instead of a single probiotic strain, your pet receives a whole, balanced community of good microbes that restores the natural balance. First we measure the degree of imbalance with a simple microbiome test (a stool sample), which also lets us track the response.

One of the most powerful things we can do for your animal is get a baseline picture of what’s happening in the gut. The microbiome — the community of bacteria living in the GI tract — controls up to 80% of the immune system. A simple stool test can show us where there are imbalances and let us get ahead of things before they become problems. It’s the same kind of proactive approach we take with bloodwork.

What can it help with?

• Chronic diarrhoea, soft stools or constipation
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and chronic enteropathies
• Vomiting or poor appetite of gut origin
• Recovery after antibiotics
• Recovery from parvovirus in puppies (as support)
• Itchy skin, atopic dermatitis and hair loss linked to gut imbalance
• Weight loss and general “gut-related” ill health

How does it work?

• Only healthy, screened donors — about 7% qualify
• Given as oral capsules at home or by enema here at the practice — no sedation or surgery
• Many improve within a 4 to 8 week course; some need longer
• Works best alongside a good diet and follow-up care

What to expect

• First assessment: we review the case and run a microbiome test to measure the imbalance.
• Treatment: oral capsules at home or an enema here at the practice — no sedation or surgery.
• Course: usually a 4 to 8 week course; some animals need longer.
• Follow-up: we repeat the test to check the response and fine-tune diet and care.

Is it safe?

Yes. When donors are properly screened, side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Because it uses your animal’s own biology rather than drugs, it fits naturally within a holistic approach. In published studies, more than 80% of dogs and cats with chronic gut problems improved after treatment.

Is it right for your animal?

If your dog or cat has a digestive or immune problem that keeps coming back, or that hasn’t fully improved with usual treatment, FMT may be worth considering. Every case is assessed individually.

Get in touch to arrange a consultation. A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy life.

— Dr. Britta

📧 info@drbrittavet.com · El Masnou, 08320

This information is not intended to replace the medical advice provided by your veterinarian. The information on this site is for educational purposes only.