Effects of the gut microbiome on extra-intestinal health of small animals

Abstract

The fact that the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota has an impact on our intestinal health has become common knowledge. This was first applied in human medicine but has now expanded to our companion animals. Even if all the mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the GI microbiota plays a role in digestion, absorption, protection against pathogens, and immunity. This central role within the digestive tract has led us to question whether the microbiota could also have an impact on extraintestinal health.