Background: Peptacetobacter hiranonis is a keystone species in the canine and feline gut, and converts primary to secondary bile acids which help maintain gut health and reduce inflammation. Dogs with chronic enteropathy and antibiotic exposure have reduced levels of P. hiranonis and impaired bile acid metabolism. Hypothesis/
Objectives: Evaluate the efficacy of a P. hiranonis probiotic in improving fecal consistency and microbial function in dogs post-antibiotics. Animals: Seventy-two dogs and sixty-six cats living in homes that received antibiotics during the past 3-12 months were enrolled in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. 33% of pets were reported to have no current GI issues or symptoms, 41% had GI issues and 25% had allergies.
Methods: Animals were given lyophilized P. hiranonis powder or microcrystalline cellulose (placebo) daily for 28 days. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and day 28, and 15 days post-probiotic. Samples were submitted for full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid-chromatography mass-spectometry. Pet parents completed surveys as well.
Results: Pets receiving the probiotic showcased significant increases in P. hiranonis relative abundances while pets receiving a placebo did not (GAM β=4.7, P= 0.032). Dogs receiving the probiotic also had fewer unconjugated primary bile acids, and more efficient bile acid conversion compared the placebo group (GAM β= 1.14, P= 0.02). The probiotic also improved fecal consistency for pets with soft stools or diarrhea.
Conclusions: Probiotics containing lyophilized P. hiranonis can restore microbiome function and bile acid metabolism in pets recently given antibiotics. Use of this probiotic was also associated with improved fecal consistency.
