Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation
Published on: May 26, 2023
Equine faecal microbiota transplant: Current knowledge, proposed guidelines and future directions
K R Mullen1, K Yasuda2, T J Divers3
1Littleton Equine Medical Center Colorado USA.
Abstract:
While certainly not a novel concept, faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) has recently garnered renewed interest in veterinary medicine due to its remarkable success in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in man. There is a dearth of information on indications and efficacy of FMT for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in the horse; however, based on evidence in man and other veterinary species, and anecdotal reports in horses, FMT may be a useful treatment for selected cases of acute and chronic diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the horse. In the absence of evidence, expert opinion is offered on case selection and FMT procedure. More research is needed to explore the efficacy, indications and optimal preparation, storage and delivery of FMT to horses.
Insights
Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) shows promise for treating equine gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Further research is needed to establish optimal protocols for horses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a well-established therapy for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in humans.
- Interest in FMT for veterinary applications, particularly in horses, is growing.
- Limited data exists on FMT's efficacy for equine gastrointestinal disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential indications and efficacy of FMT for gastrointestinal disorders in horses.
- To provide expert opinion on case selection and FMT procedures in the absence of extensive research.
- To highlight the need for further research into FMT for equine health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on FMT in human and veterinary medicine.
- Analysis of anecdotal reports of FMT use in horses.
- Formulation of expert opinion on clinical application and future research directions.
Main Results:
- FMT may be beneficial for selected cases of acute and chronic diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in horses.
- Expert opinion suggests FMT is a viable option for specific equine gastrointestinal conditions.
- Current evidence is insufficient to define optimal FMT protocols for horses.
Conclusions:
- FMT holds potential as a therapeutic option for equine gastrointestinal diseases.
- Further research is crucial to determine efficacy, indications, and best practices for FMT in horses.
- Standardized protocols for preparation, storage, and delivery of FMT in horses are required.
