ABSTRACT A feline patient presented with a history of chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, persistent third eyelid protrusion, polyphagia and polydipsia. Diagnostics included blood analysis, faecal analysis
and culture, abdominal ultrasound and radiography, full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsies via laparotomy and endoscopic biopsies of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Diet trials with hypoallergenic food caused worsening of the diarrhoea, and novel proteins only worked for a short period of time (3–4 weeks), after which the diarrhoea developed again. A faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed. Diarrhoea ceased within 72 hours; self-limiting diarrhoea has occurred since but the FMT treatment was a success. The RVNs were pivotal in assisting with the FMT procedure, in the preparation of samples, preparation and monitoring of the patient, and advising and supporting the owner during the treatment process.
Keywords Feline, microbiota, transplantation, FMT, diarrhoea, gut, microbiome, cat

Author: Amelia Poole is an RVN who has worked in practice for 13 years, at a variety of privately owned
hospitals and rescue centres, concentrating on intensive in-patient care. She is currently completing her top-up degree at Harper Adams University and is working at RCVS Knowledge as a quality improvement project manager.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9379-940X

To cite this article VNJ (2) May 2022 pp

DOI: 10.1080.17415349.2021.2003277

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