Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A layman here, but experienced keeper.

Have any of you fine folks had any experience with or read any credible studies on the pros or cons of supplementing gut flora by giving probiotics (Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and/or Lactobacillus plantarum) to colubrids:
1. as a supplement or prophylaxis on a regular basis (monthly)?
2. after treatment with metronidazole?
3. stressed animals?
4. other?
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Regards, Bill McGighan

Hey Bill, I think I recognize you from somewhere. Perhaps when I was a regular on some of the other forums. Anyhow, I'm not a fan of probiotics at all. Perhaps this doesn't have anything to do with the idea, but the products themselves. I attended a CE seminar (with dogs in mind) in which probiotics were discussed. While I don't have the study at hand, the expert did discuss a rather major one he was involved in. They tested the contents of all the brands of probiotics they could come across. They found everything from sterile conditions, to numbers and even species of bacteria that didn't come close to matching the label. Even potentially pathogenic species were found, of which they of course were not on the label. So the irregularities surrounding the production is probably reason enough to be cautions if planning on using them.

Now many people to swear on the use of probiotics. There has to be some merit to this. They do have their place, but like anything else, there will be pro's and con's.

My specific recommendations are that they be strongly considered with CHRONIC antibiotic use. Less so for short term antibiotic therapy, and not to be used without cause. Healthy animals will have a nice balance of intestinal flora. Selectively adding to this is messing with something in an uncontrolled way.

Another thing to consider with probiotics is the administration. The bacteria must first pass through the harsh stomach environment, and then survive and fight for a place to colonize. This is often in the hind gut with many species, with the small intestines still being a hostile environment. Probiotic enemas have been considered and tried many times, but I am unaware of a specific study on the topic.

Overall, get your vet's (or several as this is a debated topic) opinion as well. Put it all together and then do what you think is best for your pets now that you've been educated by multiple sources.

Ian

Thanks for your response, Ian.
Sorry for the delay.
It sounds like the jury is still out on this.
Anecdotally, there seems to be some credible stories popping up from appetite improvement to strengthening of immune system, but those I've talked to admit that there could other factors for their success.
Interesting subject anyway.
Thanks and Happy herpin'.

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Regards, Bill McGighan