EXPRESS: Oral administration of Enterococcus lactis strain SF68 speeds the recovery of amoxicillin-clavulanate-induced dysbiosis in cats.

E. lactis SF68 probiotic supplementation recommended during amoxicillin-clavulanate therapy in cats.

This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study evaluated how Enterococcus lactis strain SF68 mitigates amoxicillin-clavulanate-induced dysbiosis in cats. Twenty-seven healthy adult cats received amoxicillin-clavulanate for 7 days plus either probiotic or placebo for 14 days. Fecal samples collected at baseline, day 7, and day 14 were analyzed using targeted qPCR to assess the feline dysbiosis index (DI) and unconjugated bile acid concentrations. The antibiotic induced significant microbiota shifts and altered bile acid metabolism in both groups. By day 14, the probiotic group demonstrated normalization of the feline DI and increased secondary bile acids compared to placebo (P = 0.0322). These findings elucidate the mechanism by which E. lactis SF68 reduces antibiotic-associated clinical signs in cats, operating through restoration of microbial composition and bile acid metabolism. The results support prophylactic probiotic supplementation in cats requiring amoxicillin-clavulanate therapy to mitigate dysbiosis-related complications.

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