Canine Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Current Application and Possible Mechanisms

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a newly adapted therapeutic approach in dogs. Although FMT produced a promising effect with little adverse events when treating various canine gastrointestinal disorders, safety concerns and lack of understanding regarding its therapeutic mechanisms are the main reasons limiting its wider application. Therefore, in this paper, we describe the current application and efficacy of canine FMT, as well as possible mechanisms that may be involved in the treatment process. In addition, we also discuss the future prospective of canine FMT regarding selecting donor dogs more efficiently and safely, choosing and pretreating recipient dogs to increase FMT efficacy, choosing more efficient routes of administration and stool storage, as well as its potential applications beyond gastrointestinal issues, including behavior modification and obesity treatment. ABSTRACT: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an emerging therapeutic option for a variety of diseases, and is characterized as the transfer of fecal microorganisms from a healthy donor into the intestinal tract of a diseased recipient. In human clinics, FMT has been used for treating diseases for decades, with promising results. In recent years, veterinary specialists adapted FMT in canine patients; however, compared to humans, canine FMT is more inclined towards research purposes than practical applications in most cases, due to safety concerns. Therefore, in order to facilitate the application of fecal transplant therapy in dogs, in this paper, we review recent applications of FMT in canine clinical treatments, as well as possible mechanisms that are involved in the process of the therapeutic effect of FMT. More research is needed to explore more effective and safer approaches for conducting FMT in dogs.