Why Gut Health Matters
Digestive issues are among the most common reasons pets visit the vet. But symptoms like diarrhea, itchy skin, bloating, vomiting, or weight changes may be just the tip of the iceberg. Many of these issues stem from imbalances in the gut—whether from inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, or microbial disruption.
Specialized tests help uncover:
- Chronic or hidden gut inflammation
- Dysbiosis (microbial imbalance)
- Nutrient deficiencies (B12, folate)
- Immune dysregulation
- Pancreatic function concerns
- Antibiotic impact on the microbiome
1. Microbiome Testing
Assess the Balance of Beneficial and Harmful Bacteria
The gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem that helps regulate digestion, immunity, and even mood. Microbiome Test uses qPCR technology to analyze key bacteria—both good and bad—and calculates a Dysbiosis Index (DI) to measure overall microbial balance.
Test Features:
- Dysbiosis Index: Quantifies the overall microbiome health
- Pathogen Detection: Includes Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, E. coli
- Beneficial Bacteria Counts: Such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Lactobacillus spp.
- Antibiotic Impact Score: Evaluates how previous antibiotic use may have disrupted gut flora
- Actionable Recommendations: Including prebiotics, probiotics, dietary changes, and retesting
Ideal for pets with:
Chronic GI upset, allergies, antibiotic history, behavior changes, or for proactive health screening
2. Gastrointestinal Panels
Dig Deeper Into Inflammation, Absorption, and Digestive Function
While the microbiome offers insight into gut flora, GI Panels assess how the digestive system is functioning—looking at inflammation markers, nutrient absorption, and pancreatic health.
Key Biomarkers May Include:
- Haptoglobin (HPT) for cats or C‑Reactive Protein (CRP) for dogs to measure and monitor inflammatory markers
- Thymidine Kinase Type 1 (TK1) – a proliferation marker that can be used in some cases to screen for Neoplasia
- Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) & Folate: Evaluate malabsorption and bacterial overgrowth
- Vitamin D and Magnesium Levels: Both nutrients influence gut immunity and function
- cPL and fPL (Canine Pancreatic Lipase & Feline Pancreatic Lipase): Screen for pancreatitis or pancreatic issues
Benefits:
- Early detection of chronic GI disease
- Targeted treatment strategies based on functional status
- Better management of complex or persistent GI issues
- Clear interpretation and follow-up guidance
Recommended for pets with:
Suspected IBD, frequent vomiting or diarrhea, nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, or digestive enzyme disorders
Gastrointestinal Work-Up
Your pet’s gut does more than just digest food—it plays a crucial role in immune function, inflammation, nutrient absorption, behavior, and overall vitality. When digestive issues arise, or even before they do, comprehensive testing can help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
That’s where Gut Health Testing comes in. With cutting-edge diagnostics that evaluate both the microbiome and gastrointestinal (GI) function, you get a complete, actionable picture of your pet’s digestive and immune health.
Whether your pet is experiencing chronic issues or you want to take a proactive approach to wellness, Gut Health Testing offers a clear window into digestive and immune function—helping you take the guesswork out of treatment and care.
How Testing Works
Sample Collection – Simple blood and/or fecal samples collected by your vet
Advanced Laboratory Analysis – VDI Labs processes the samples with veterinary-specific tools
Comprehensive Reports – Results are easy to understand, with context and clinical interpretation
Targeted Recommendations – A clear treatment roadmap, from diet to supplements