DVM, PhD, resident ECVCP University of Parma PARMA, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Abstract: Background – Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents a promising therapeutic option for chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs. Clinical response was assessed in various studies through CIBDAI scores calculated by veterinarians during follow-up visits, however, day-to-day variations remain largely unexplored. Objective – Assess clinical response to a single FMT enema through daily CIBDAI evaluations performed by owners. Animals – 10 adult dogs with CE with no or incomplete response to dietary changes undergo to FMT. Methods – Prospective observational study. CIBDAI scores were calculated by the attending veterinarian before (D0), 7 days (D7) and 30 days (D30) after FMT. CIBDAI scores were recorded by owners the day post-FMT (D1) and daily for 30 days after the procedure, using a short questionnaire. Friedman’s test was used to evaluate changes in CIBDAI over time, and descriptive statistics to describe the results. Results – The daily questionnaire was well accepted by owners, with no complaints and almost no missing values. A significant improvement in veterinary-calculated CIBDAI scores was observed from D0 to days 7 (D7), and 30 (D30) post-FMT (P=0.008). At D1, 8/10 dogs had reached CIBDAI< 2, indicating clinically insignificant disease. The median number of relapse days, defined as days with a CIBDAI score ≥ D0, was 5 days (range: 0–13 days). Two dogs had no relapse days, while three dogs experienced >10 non-consecutive relapse days. Conclusions and clinical importance – Our results suggest that continuous monitoring over multiple days, rather than on visit days, may provide a more accurate assessment of FMT efficacy.
