Abstract: Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics are used in equine practice. Understanding veterinarians' perceptions and practices is crucial for effective implementation. Objective: (1) Evaluate the prevalence, usage patterns and perceived effectiveness of probiotics and FMT among equine veterinarians in France and Belgium. (2) Assess their knowledge, practices and influencing factors across demographics and settings. (3) Explore links between FMT protocols and treatment satisfaction. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: An online survey collected demographic data and responses on the use of probiotics and FMT. Analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression models. Results: Ninety-six equine veterinarians participated, practicing in Belgium (52.1%), France (39.6%) or both (8.3%). Probiotic use was reported by 82.1%, more frequent in field than clinical practice (odds ratio [OR] = 3.61, 95% CI [1.09, 12.02], p = 0.036) and in France than Belgium (OR = 5.08, 95% CI [1.44, 17.94], p = 0.012). Probiotics were used for chronic diarrhoea (88.0%), acute diarrhoea (67.6%) and inflammatory bowel diseases (45.9%). Most veterinarians (83.3%) defined probiotics well, but 16.7% misidentified non-probiotic products. FMT was used by 76.0%, mainly occasionally and therapeutically, more in clinical than field practice (OR = 4.79, 95% CI [1.03, 22.27], p = 0.046). In theory, 58.3% prioritized infection-free donors, but only 22.5% tested donors before FMT, mostly using coprology (93.8%). Those who tested donors reported higher perceived efficacy (p = 0.0029). Conclusions: Potential selection bias, as participation was voluntary. Generalizability might be limited by focus on France and Belgium. Sample size, while informative, should be expanded. Conclusions: Probiotics and FMT were commonly used therapeutically by equine veterinarians in France and Belgium. Although probiotic use was widespread, some misunderstandings remained. FMT protocols varied, with donor faeces often untested. Treatment satisfaction was generally positive but estimated success rates varied. Standardized FMT protocols are needed to improve outcomes and consistency.
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Overview
This study surveyed equine veterinarians in France and Belgium to understand the usage, perceptions, and effectiveness of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics in horse healthcare.
The research aimed to highlight how commonly these treatments are used, veterinarians’ knowledge about them, and factors influencing their practices.
Background and Objectives
Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics are treatments aimed at improving gut health by modifying the intestinal microbiota in horses.
Understanding how equine veterinarians perceive and use these treatments is crucial for optimizing their practical implementation and outcomes.
The study had three main objectives:
To assess the prevalence, usage patterns, and perceived effectiveness of probiotics and FMT among equine veterinarians in France and Belgium.
To analyze the veterinarians’ knowledge, practices, and factors influencing these, including differences based on demographics and practice settings.
To explore possible relationships between different FMT protocols and overall treatment satisfaction.
Methods
The research was conducted through a cross-sectional online survey targeting equine veterinarians.
Survey questions collected demographic information, experience with probiotics and FMT, and perceptions of their effectiveness.
Statistical analyses applied included:
Descriptive statistics to summarize responses.
Chi-square tests to examine associations between categorical variables.
Logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (OR) for certain practices based on country or type of practice.
Key Findings: Probiotics
Out of 96 participating equine veterinarians, 82.1% reported using probiotics in their practice.
Probiotic use was higher in field practice compared to clinical settings, with veterinarians in the field being 3.61 times more likely to use probiotics.
Across countries, French veterinarians used probiotics more frequently than Belgian counterparts, with an odds ratio of 5.08.
The main indications for probiotic use included:
Chronic diarrhoea (88.0%)
Acute diarrhoea (67.6%)
Inflammatory bowel diseases (45.9%)
Most veterinarians (83.3%) correctly defined what probiotics are, but a significant minority (16.7%) misidentified other non-probiotic products as probiotics, indicating some gap in knowledge.
FMT use was reported by 76.0% of respondents; however, most used it occasionally and predominantly for therapeutic purposes rather than routine use.
FMT was more frequently used in clinical practice compared to field work, with clinical vets being 4.79 times more likely to perform FMT.
Regarding donor selection protocols:
58.3% of veterinarians expressed that selecting infection-free donors is important in theory.
However, only 22.5% actually tested donor horses prior to transplantation, mostly using coprology (faecal parasite testing) – 93.8% of those who tested.
Veterinarians who performed donor testing reported significantly higher perceived effectiveness of FMT treatments (p = 0.0029), suggesting a link between protocol rigor and treatment satisfaction.
Interpretation and Implications
Probiotics and FMT are widely used therapeutic tools in equine veterinary practice in France and Belgium, demonstrating their acceptance among practitioners.
Despite frequent probiotic use, some misunderstandings about what constitutes a probiotic remain, highlighting the need for better education and clarity.
FMT practices varied greatly; standardized protocols were lacking, especially regarding donor screening.
Testing donors prior to FMT correlated with better perceived outcomes, underscoring the importance of establishing and following rigorous protocols.
Overall treatment satisfaction was generally positive, but variability in reported success rates indicates room for improvement in treatment consistency and efficacy.
Limitations
The study involved a relatively small sample size (96 veterinarians), which may reduce the statistical power and representation of wider equine practice.
Participation was voluntary, possibly introducing selection bias as those interested or familiar with probiotics/FMT may have been more likely to respond.
Findings may have limited generalizability outside France and Belgium, as veterinary practices and regulatory contexts vary by country.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Probiotics and FMT are integral parts of equine health management in the surveyed regions but require further standardization and education.
Standardized protocols for FMT, especially regarding donor selection and testing, should be developed to improve treatment effectiveness and safety.
Educational initiatives could address knowledge gaps about probiotic definitions and appropriate use.
Future larger-scale studies across different countries and with a broader sample could help refine best practices for microbiota-based therapies in equine medicine.
Cite This Article
APA
Loublier C, Taminiau B, Seidel L, Moula N, Tano C, Cesarini C, Costa M, Lecoq L, Daube G, Amory H.
(2026).
Survey on Faecal Microbiota Transplantation and Probiotic Use in Equine Practice in France and Belgium.
Vet Med Sci, 12(2), e70854.
https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.70854
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