For some dogs with epilepsy, especially those whose condition doesn’t respond to medication, the future may seem uncertain. However, there is hope on the horizon. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), a treatment that uses an enema and has gained popularity in human medicine over the past 20 years, is showing promise.
This is due to a better understanding of the gut microbiome, which consists of bacteria that help with digestion. Researchers are now exploring how the gut microbiome might also affect other parts of the body, including the brain, in what is known as the gut-brain axis, and veterinary experts are studying this for animal health.
In a recent study, researchers treated nine dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy. This form doesn’t respond to regular medications and affects about two-thirds of dogs with epilepsy. These dogs often show more symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Each dog received fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) three times over several weeks and was monitored afterward.
The results showed that all nine dogs significantly improved their mental health, with less anxiety and a better quality of life. Although the exact reason for these improvements is unknown, researchers aim to find new treatments for drug-resistant diseases using microbiome science, which benefits humans and animals.
The gut and brain are connected in surprising ways, and treating gut health may help with mental health issues. Dr. Suchodolski, the associate director of research and head of microbiome sciences at the Texas A&M Gastrointestinal Laboratory, explains that the gut plays a more significant role in overall health than many think, and there are connections between the stomach and other organs, like the kidneys and liver.
While the exact relationships aren’t fully understood, researchers are learning more. Stress can affect gut movement, and some neurological diseases can cause gut problems. Changing the gut’s bacteria with probiotics or diet can also impact disease symptoms.
Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is one treatment that takes advantage of the gut-brain connection and shows excellent results.
Dr. Suchodolski compares the microbiome to a garden, saying that FMT is like introducing a whole new ecosystem of bacteria and organisms to see if it makes a difference. Interestingly, while the number of seizures in patients didn’t change much after treatment, the improvement in their behavior was much more noticeable.
Journal reference :
- Antja Watanangura, Sebastian Meller, et al., Behavioral comorbidities treatment by fecal microbiota transplantation in canine epilepsy: a pilot study of a novel therapeutic approach. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1385469.
