10/15/2024
Do you have a senior dog with cognitive impairment? At EPV, we are conducting an open-label study evaluating f***l microbiome transplantation (FMT) for-hopefully-improving cognitive scores in dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD-the dog version of Alzheimer's disease or AD). What is FMT? It's p**p. It's p**p from donors carefully screened to have a healthy microbiota/microbiome (more "good" than "bad" bacteria). Here is the sequence of events leading to dementia. Bear in mind that there is substantial proof for this in rodent AD models and in human AD studies. A healthy microbiome is necessary for maintaining an intact intestinal barrier (IB). As the microbiome shifts to more pathogenic bacteria with age, the intestinal barrier (IB) becomes compromised. The gut normally communicates with the brain via the gut-brain axis (nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics). Things that should not get past the IB now travel to the brain and cause inflammation. The brain normally keeps bad things out via the blood brain barrier (BBB). The bacteria and their products that have now reached the brain disrupt the BBB. The cascade of events that follow lead to AD/CCD. Re-establishing a more normal microbiome with FMT has shown to reverse pathologic brain changes and improve cognition in rodent models. There is also some evidence of efficacy for FMT in people with AD. These are oral FMT capsules that are commercially available. They are commercially available because FMT has already been shown to be effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders in dogs. This is a three-month study, no costs to the pet owner, and we can work remotely with your veterinarian if necessary.
