EXPRESS: Gastrointestinal microbiota and fecal fatty acids in cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Cats with EPI show microbiota dysbiosis and elevated fecal fatty acids.

This cross-sectional observational study examined gastrointestinal microbiota composition and fecal fatty acid profiles in 55 cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) compared to 37 healthy control cats. Fecal samples were analyzed for microbiota dysbiosis index (DI) and fatty acid concentrations. Cats with EPI demonstrated significantly higher median dysbiosis indices, total fecal fatty acids, arachidonic acid, and nervonic acid levels compared to controls. Notably, EPI cats had reduced Peptacetobacter hiranonis abundance. The most prevalent clinical signs in EPI cats were weight loss and appetite disturbances, consistent with previously reported presentations. This study provides the first characterization of microbiota and fatty acid alterations in feline EPI, documenting dysbiosis and abnormal lipid metabolism in affected cats. These findings suggest that microbiota dysbiosis and altered fecal fatty acid profiles may contribute to clinical signs in feline EPI, potentially identifying therapeutic targets.

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