Equine faecal microbiota transplant: Current knowledge, proposed guidelines and future directions.
Authors: Mullen K R, Yasuda K, Divers T J, Weese J S
Journal: Equine veterinary education
Summary
# Faecal Microbiota Transplant in Equine Practice: Current Evidence and Clinical Applications Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) has renewed relevance in equine medicine following its proven efficacy against recurrent *Clostridium difficile* infection in human patients, yet robust evidence for its use in horses remains scarce. Drawing on human and companion animal research alongside clinical anecdotes, Mullen and colleagues propose that FMT may benefit horses with selected cases of acute and chronic diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease, conditions where dysbiosis plays a significant role in pathophysiology. The authors synthesise available evidence to offer expert guidance on patient selection criteria and procedural protocols, recognising substantial gaps in knowledge regarding optimal donor screening, microbiota preparation, storage conditions and delivery methods specific to equine patients. Practitioners considering FMT should understand that whilst the biological rationale is sound, clinical efficacy remains largely anecdotal; rigorous controlled trials are essential to establish clear indications and standardised protocols. This overview provides a foundation for informed clinical decision-making whilst highlighting the urgent need for systematic research to validate FMT as a mainstream therapy rather than a last-resort intervention for equine gastrointestinal disease.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •FMT may be considered as a treatment option for recurrent or refractory diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease in horses, particularly when conventional therapies have failed
- •Lack of robust evidence means FMT should currently be used judiciously with appropriate case selection and client communication about unproven status
- •Standardised protocols for FMT administration in horses are needed; practitioners should document outcomes to contribute to the evidence base
Key Findings
- •Faecal microbiota transplant has shown remarkable success in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in humans and may be applicable to horses
- •Evidence for FMT efficacy in equine gastrointestinal disorders is limited, based primarily on anecdotal reports rather than controlled studies
- •FMT may be useful for selected cases of acute and chronic diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease in horses based on evidence from other species
- •Optimal protocols for FMT preparation, storage, and delivery in horses have not been established and require further research