Research Note: Probiotics for Antibiotic-Related Dysbiosis in Cats

ArticleSeptember 20262 min read
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Slaughter M, Sung C-H, Suchodolski J, Pilla R, Torres-Hendersen C, Lappin MR. Oral administration of Enterococcus lactis strain SF68 speeds the recovery of amoxicillin-clavulanate-induced dysbiosis in cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2026;28(5):1098612X261441923. doi:10.1177/1098612X261441923

Research Note

Antibiotic administration in cats can result in acute and long-term dysbiosis, as well as GI signs. Probiotics may demonstrate clinical benefits,1-4 and human studies have examined their use for lessening adverse effects of antibiotics with variable results. The probiotic Enterococcus lactis strain SF68 has been shown to decrease amoxicillin/clavulanate-associated diarrhea in cats.4-6

This randomized, double-blinded study sought to explain the mechanisms of E lactis strain SF68 amelioration of amoxicillin/clavulanate-associated diarrhea by evaluating changes in the feline dysbiosis index and in fecal bile acid metabolism.7 Healthy cats (n = 27) were fed canned food mixed with either a commercial product containing E lactis strain SF68 or placebo, and amoxicillin/clavulanate (62.5 mg/cat) was administered twice daily at least 2 hours after feeding for 7 days; the probiotic or placebo was continued for an additional 7 days. Fecal samples were obtained at baseline, on day 7, and on day 14 to measure the dysbiosis index and fecal bile acid concentration.

Results demonstrated a significant increase in the dysbiosis index following the antibiotic course. The dysbiosis index decreased to baseline by day 14 in cats receiving the probiotic but remained elevated in cats receiving placebo. Fecal concentrations of individual secondary bile acids also decreased significantly in both groups on day 7; these fecal concentrations increased by day 14 in the probiotic group but remained unchanged in the placebo group.

The authors concluded that E lactis strain SF68 lessens amoxicillin/clavulanate-associated diarrhea via beneficial effects on selected microbiota and bile acid metabolism and may be considered in cats receiving amoxicillin/clavulanate.