Poop: Is it the treatment of the future? Fecal transplants for dogs and cats may help to improve intestinal issues such as chronic diarrhea and vomiting

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

From the time Ana was young, she had intestinal problems. When she was only 5 months old, she suffered severe vomiting and diarrhea and wouldn't eat or drink. Instead she tried to eat non-food items such as toys, cords and paint on the wall.

"We thought she was going to die. When she should have been gaining about 6 pounds, she lost about 6 pounds," says Ana's owner, Tracy Weber of Seattle.

To help Ana thrive, Weber cooked special meals for the German shepherd puppy and tried different proteins and supplements. Nothing worked.

"When I called the vet and said, 'What do we try next?' she suggested a fecal transplant."

The gastrointestinal tract houses a complex collection of microorganisms known as the microbiome. They play a crucial role in health -- not just of the gut, but of the entire body, including regulating the immune system. Microbiome population is affected by factors such as diet, antibiotics and gastrointestinal disease, and healthy animals have a highly individual microbiota.

Weber didn't know much about fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), and she didn't like the idea of implanting another dog's poop into her dog's gastrointestinal tract. But the more she researched it, the more she thought it would be worth a shot.

Fecal transplants are a rare instance of a treatment used first in humans and then in dogs and cats. In humans, FMT has been successful in treating 90 to 98 percent of recurring Clostridium difficile infections, leading to normalization of the microbiome. Clinical signs resolve within one to two days. For inflammatory bowel disease, though, the success rate is much lower, only 25 to 30 percent.

Nicknamed "re-poopulation," FMT involves transplanting fecal material from a known healthy dog with good digestion, no parasites and no treatment with antibiotics for at least the previous three months. The process begins by blending the feces and separating out the solids. What remains is a soupy mixture of probiotic and fecal material that, for Ana, was administered as an enema into the colon. Another protocol involves inserting the material into the gut through a nasogastric tube, and one company offers an oral fecal transplant capsule.

Ana did not need to be sedated during the procedure. Afterward, she had to remain crated for six hours to give the microbes time to settle in to their new environment. Patients may be given loperamide (Imodium) to reduce the likelihood of a bowel movement.

It took several weeks before Weber saw improvement in Ana's appetite and chronic diarrhea, but the pica -- the tendency to eat non-food items -- disappeared the same day as the fecal transplant. The transplant was repeated when the pica reappeared.

The number of fecal transplants required varies in both dogs and humans, probably depending on how difficult it is for gut microbes to stay alive in a specific digestive tract. In his lecture on the intestinal microbiome at the 2018 Veterinary Meeting and Expo, Texas A&M University veterinary microbiologist Jan S. Suchodolski says that in some patients, fecal transplants are repeated up to three times every three to four weeks. The procedure decreased the imbalance of microorganisms (known as dysbiosis) in most dogs, although a subset had no improvement.

"I have colleagues who say 70 percent of patients get better, and I have colleagues who say zero percent get better," Dr. Suchodolski said.

Of Ana, Weber says, "In general, (the transplants) have helped, but we may do a third with a different donor dog."

Do fecal transplants have potential for other health benefits? At Ontario Veterinary College in Canada, Shauna Blois, DVM, is investigating the benefit of fecal transplants for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. And last year, researchers at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine discovered a relationship between the brain, the gastrointestinal tract, and immune system diseases. The finding could have implications for treatment of certain immune and neurologic diseases, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Q&A

Anal sacs can be

smelly problem

Q: After my cat got off my lap recently, I noticed a couple of wet spots on my pants. When I gave them a sniff, the smell just about knocked me over. What was that?

A: You have just been introduced to the secretions of the feline anal glands. These pea-size glands, also called anal sacs, produce a malodorous substance that enables cats to identify and communicate with each other as well as mark territory. When the cat defecates, the contents of the anal sacs are squeezed out, coating the cat's stool and allowing him to leave a stinky warning -- "Tom's Club: No other cats allowed" -- to other cats who pass by.

Usually, anal gland secretions aren't an issue in cats, but sometimes anal glands become overactive, resulting in a noticeable odor. Anal glands that malfunction and don't empty normally can become inflamed, infected or impacted.

Inflamed or infected anal glands may become swollen and tender, inhibiting normal passage of the secretions. If you notice your cat frequently scooting on the ground or biting at his rear, this may be the problem. Left untreated, the anal glands can abscess or rupture, which isn't pleasant for your cat or for you when you have to medicate the area. Luckily, this condition is rare in cats; they are more likely to develop impacted anal glands.

Impaction occurs when stools don't exert enough pressure on the glands as the cat defecates. This may occur in cats with chronic soft stools because the anal musculature has nothing to push the sac against to release the fluid.

Your veterinarian can relieve the situation by emptying the glands manually. If your cat has soft stools related to food allergies, a change in diet may help. Adding plain canned pumpkin to the cat's food can boost his fiber intake and improve stool consistency as well. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Teeth tell the tale

of puppy age

-- How old is that puppy? Young animals aren't always accompanied by a birth certificate, so determining their age can be tricky. But veterinarians have a method that gives them a pretty accurate answer: They look at the teeth. Seeing which teeth have come in helps in estimating a young pup's age. Puppy teeth start to erupt at 3 to 4 weeks, starting with the canines and followed by the first two sets of incisors at 4 to 5 weeks, the first two sets of premolars at 4 to 6 weeks, the third set of incisors at 5 to 6 weeks, and the last set of premolars at 6 to 8 weeks. The temporary teeth start to fall out when pups are 14 weeks to 7 months old. By 8 months, most puppies have a full set of adult teeth.

-- If you thought that the plague was a medieval disease, think again. It still exists and can affect humans, dogs, cats and other mammals. The bacterial disease occurs primarily in wildlife, but humans and pets can be exposed if bitten by an infected flea or through direct contact with infected animals. The first diagnosed case this year was seen in a dog in New Mexico. Plague cases also occured in Arizona, Colorado and Utah. Signs include fever, headache, chills, weakness, and swollen, painful lymph nodes.

-- K is for Korat. The gray cat with green eyes symbolizes luck and prosperity in his homeland of Thailand, where he is known as si-sawat. Although they are related to the Siamese, the cats are not as vocal as their pointed cousins, but they have no problem communicating their desires when it comes to food or attention. Expect to provide plenty of interaction if you invite one of these active, playful cats into your life. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

From plush to pawsome, what we’re digging in dog and cat products

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Every March, pet product manufacturers converge on Orlando, Florida, to present their wares to buyers and media from around the world. More than 1,100 exhibitors displayed toys, beds, food and more last month at the Global Pet Expo, and we walked every single aisle -- more than once -- to make our picks of the cool, the comfortable, the innovative: the products that dog and cat owners will want to bring home to make their pets’ lives more enjoyable or their own lives easier. Here are our top nine picks.

1. Be ready for anything on a walk with the Compleash, which combines a nylon leash, a built-in 10-ounce capped water flask, and two stackable bowls that can hold food, treats or personal items such as cash, credit cards or keys. The containers are part of the leash handle, and a waste bag dispenser can be attached to the leash as well. (MSRP $24.99; sitstaygo.com)

2. Snake on a stick? The Elegant Snake cat toy by Be One Breed makes a crinkly sound when your cat pounces on it, and the handle allows you to wriggle it in a lifelike manner. Bonus: It’s filled with catnip. (MSRP $5.99; beonebreed.com)

3. Make your dog a treat master with Planet Dog’s GuRu interactive toy. Insert treats into five different openings and let your dog have at it. He’ll need to chew and squeeze the toy, which releases treats when the dog applies enough pressure to pop them out. (MSRP $18.95; planetdog.com)

4. Forever furless? That’s the dream of many dog and cat owners whose clothes and furniture seem constantly covered in hair. The Lilly Brush promises to pick up pet hair with just a few swipes across clothing, upholstery, rugs and more. No peeling off tape; just rinse and reuse. (From $12.95; lillybrush.com)

5. To help your anxious dog stay occupied while you’re running errands or busy around the house, spread peanut butter, squeeze cheese or scoop canned food on the nubbly LickiMat from Hyper Pet, freeze it to make the treat last even longer, and set it out. Your dog can get in his licks and maintain his interest for a long time. (From $5.99; hyper-pet.com)

6. Cats or dogs who scratch on furniture or at doors and windows to get out can cause a lot of damage that’s expensive to repair. Clawguard door and furniture shields protect surfaces without hurting pets. Sizes are adjustable, and covers come off easily when guests visit. (From $14.99; www.clawguard.com)

7. Have a bag of poop and no place to toss it, and you don’t want to put it in your car until you reach a spot with a trashcan? Enter the Tailgate Dumpster by Kurgo. The silicone holder attaches to metal vehicle surfaces (don’t try it on aluminum or fiberglass). Put your poop bag inside and drive away from the beach or hiking trail stink-free until you can dump your dog’s waste into a proper receptacle. (MSRP $20; kurgo.com)

8. If your aging cat is having accidents outside the litter box, it might be too difficult for her to get in and out of. The Kitty Go Here litter box, with its low entrance, is easy for cats of all ages and abilities to navigate, especially if they have arthritic joints or other health issues that inhibit their mobility. (From $15.99; kittygohere.com)

9. Travel in style with your 10-pound or smaller pet in the Madison carrier combined with the Pet-Trek 4-spinner-wheel folding trolley, both by A Pet With Paws. The eco-friendly carrier looks like leather but is made of recycled plastic bottles and has a breathable mesh back, side and top for easy entry and exit. The carrier can be pulled without tipping your pet backward, which is more comfortable and less frightening for him. (MSRP $169-$179, plus $49 for Pet-Trek; apetwithpaws.com)

Q&A

Rest, rehab, surgery

help dogs with IVDD

Q: My Lhasa apso has been diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease. What can you tell me about it, and will she need to have surgery?

A: We commonly see IVDD, as it’s called for short, in dwarf dogs such as dachshunds (who have 45 to 70 percent of all cases), poodles, Pekingese, beagles, French bulldogs and Lhasa apsos as well as in dogs such as German shepherds, Dobermans and cocker spaniels. Although the disc may rupture after a fall or jump, in most cases the “slipped disc” is a result of chronic disc degeneration.

Signs of disease -- pain, difficulty walking, muscle spasms or paralysis -- typically appear in small or short dogs when they are 3 to 6 years old. In breeds such as Labrador retrievers or German shepherds, signs usually occur at 5 to 12 years.

Genes play a role in development of the disease. Last October, researchers at the University of California, Davis announced the discovery of a genetic mutation across breeds that is responsible for dogs developing chondrodystrophic features -- the shorter legs and abnormal intervertebral discs seen in low-slung, long-bodied dogs. They found that dogs with IVDD are 50 times more likely to have this mutation. Not enough is known yet about the prevalence of the specific gene in the affected breeds to be able to breed out the condition, but it’s a start.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. In dogs with mild signs, the veterinarian may recommend pain medication and cage rest with slow, on-leash exercise only. When dogs don’t respond to conservative management or have severe signs, surgery is usually the best option. Some veterinarians use acupuncture and rehab techniques in combination with cage rest, analgesics and controlled exercise to help manage mild cases or to benefit dogs before and after surgery. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Pet travel safety

focus of new program

-- Animals traveling by air may have better protections with a new standardized global certification program developed by the International Air Transport Association. Based on IATA Live Animals Regulations, developed with input from veterinarians, animal welfare experts and government agencies, the program provides training and on-site audits by independent inspectors. In a statement, Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president of airport, passenger, cargo and security, said: “Animal owners and shippers rely heavily on airlines to carry their precious cargo. As an industry, we have a duty of care to ensure that standards and best practices are in place around the world to protect the welfare of these animals.”

-- If you haven’t taken a pet first-aid class, now is a good time to sign up for one: April is Pet First-Aid Awareness Month. Knowing how to stop bleeding, clean and bind wounds, recognize signs of shock and other emergency conditions, and what to keep in a pet first-aid kit can help to save your dog or cat’s life. Courses are available from the Red Cross, humane associations and other organizations.

-- Does your dog or cat have a health problem that’s difficult to treat or about which little is known? You may want to see if there’s a veterinary clinical trial or study that needs canine or feline participants. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a health studies database (ebusiness.avma.org/aahsd/study_search.aspx) that allows pets and their owners to contribute to veterinary knowledge and maybe even get helped themselves. Current studies include a University of Pennsylvania study on the role of the microbiome in treating canine chronic enteropathy, and another on the use of noninvasive cardiac ultrasound for diagnosis and management of congestive heart failure in cats. Your veterinarian can help you decide if participation is a good choice for your pet. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month; which states fall short in their protections?

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Where does your state rank in terms of legal protections for animals? If you live in Iowa, Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota or Kentucky, you might be dismayed to learn that those states have the weakest protections for animal welfare, with Kentucky in last place for the 11th consecutive year. That’s based on annual review of state laws by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, which recently published its 12th annual rankings report.

States with low rankings may have passive flaws, such as outdated language or not keeping up with changing attitudes toward companion animals, livestock and wildlife, but others prohibit actions that could help animals. In Kentucky, for instance, it’s illegal for veterinarians to report abuse and neglect without a court order, subpoena or client waiver. Utah, Wyoming and Iowa don’t prohibit veterinary reporting of cruelty, but they also don’t mandate it.

“Veterinary reporting is a really important part of any animal cruelty investigation,” says Lora Dunn, director of ALDF’s criminal justice program. “Veterinarians are sometimes the only humans besides the perpetrator who actually witness the abuse or neglect.”

Poor definitions of care, weak or nonexistent penalties, and limited or no restrictions on ownership for people convicted of cruelty can also put states at the bottom of the pack.

Defining standards of care, such as the terms “adequate food,” “potable water” and “living space,” helps law enforcement officials determine whether a crime has been committed. When those criteria are not spelled out, neglect and cruelty become a matter of opinion.

States with low rankings often label cruelty, neglect and abandonment as misdemeanors, not felonies. In the bottom five states, humane officers lack broad law enforcement authority.

To determine its rankings, the organization looks at 15 categories of animal protection: general prohibitions; penalties; exemptions; mental health evaluations and counseling; protective orders; cost mitigation and recovery; seizure/impound; forfeiture and post-conviction possession; non-animal agency reporting of suspected animal cruelty; veterinarian reporting of suspected animal cruelty; law enforcement policies; sexual assault; fighting; offender registration; and “ag-gag” legislation, which are laws that punish whistleblowers revealing abuse on factory farms.

Top dogs in animal protection laws are Illinois, which has held first place for the past 10 years, plus Oregon, California, Maine and Rhode Island. Illinois ranks highest for such provisions as felony penalties for cruelty, neglect, fighting, abandonment and sexual assault. The top five states have a full range of statutory protections, require mental health evaluations or counseling for offenders, and restrict ownership of animals after a conviction. With the exception of Rhode Island, those states permit animals to be included in domestic violence protective orders.

In the past five years, more than half of all states have made improvements in their laws, Dunn says. Last year, Pennsylvania made the biggest leap, from 44th to 24th place. Improvements there included a new felony provision for first-time offenders of aggravated animal cruelty, including torture, and granting civil immunity to veterinarians who report suspected animal abuse.

One nationwide trend is “hot cars” laws addressing “reckless endangerment” of pets. In more than 25 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada and Oregon, it’s now illegal to leave an animal in a vehicle in certain conditions and temperatures. The laws may also offer civil or criminal immunity to people who remove animals from vehicles, if they meet criteria such as seeking the owner or calling law enforcement before doing so.

“The majority of states have updated and improved their animal protection laws over the past 12 years, and that is a direct reflection of the public's demand for change and for better protection of animals and animal victims,” Dunn says.

Q&A

How to help

shelter cats shine

Q: I work in a shelter, and we want to help the cats in our care feel more comfortable and safe so they’ll be more adoptable. Do you have any handling tips?

A: In a shelter environment, normally friendly cats are often afraid, so much so that they may appear to be unsocialized or even feral. Hiding and hissing isn’t going to help them find a great home, so it’s important to support them so they can step up and show their true personality. You are so right that one way to do that is through expert handling.

We talked to cat expert Joan Miller, who says that cats never like anything new at first, but a little bit of nonthreatening adversity each day helps them build confidence quickly. They need to have gradual exposure to anything they’re not too sure about, especially if it involves handling by strangers, whether they are shelter employees or potential adopters.

Handling cats correctly from the beginning is one way to bring out positive behavior from them. Whenever possible, transport them in top-loading carriers so they can be lifted out. Never try to pull a cat out of a carrier or hiding space head first or by the front feet. Instead, support them with two hands beneath their front and rear legs, bringing them out hind end first. Then place them immediately on a table or other solid surface with some height. Simply being lifted in a comfortable manner and set down immediately gives them a feeling of control. And don’t clutch cats tightly. They hate feeling restrained.

Finally, good grooming is essential for cats to look and feel their best and to attract people to them. Once they become accustomed to handling, cats take to the attention like a socialite to spa treatments. -- Mikkel Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Labs top pop

charts -- again!

-- The Labrador retriever maintains his top-dog status as the most popular breed registered by the American Kennel Club -- for 27 years in a row. It’s no surprise: Labs are smart, athletic and versatile, excelling at just about any dog sport, therapy visits, tirelessly playing with the kids, and just hanging out on the sofa with you when his busy day is done. Other breeds that make up the Top 10 are the German shepherd, golden retriever, French bulldog, bulldog, beagle, poodle (all three varieties), Rottweiler, Yorkshire terrier and German shorthaired pointer.

-- Even if your cat isn’t a teenager, she can still get acne: little blackheads or pimples that usually appear on the chin. You may notice it more readily if your cat has a white or light-colored coat. Causes include allergies, stress and food bowls that aren’t cleaned daily. Some cats react to plastic food bowls. Before you run out for a tube of Clearasil, take your cat to the veterinarian to determine the type and cause of acne and get a prescription for medication or advice on clearing it up, such as switching to stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls.

-- Dogs help to detect plant pests, and can learn to sniff out disease or health conditions such as low blood sugar. Now they are being trained to shut down sources of funds for terrorists -- not at the bank, but by identifying the smell of smuggled artifacts, antiquities looted from archaeological sites in Syria and Iraq to be sold on the black market by terrorist organizations. Four Labrador retrievers and a German shepherd are in training to recognize recently excavated pottery artifacts at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Vet Working Dog Center. The canine cultural crime fighters may one day work at airports, seaports and cargo facilities. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.