Dietary fiber is a critical component in managing gastrointestinal (GI) health and disease in companion animals, as well as removal of toxins. It consists of soluble fiber (which dissolves in water and is fermentable) and insoluble fiber (which remains intact during digestion). Both types of fiber offer unique benefits and limitations depending on the condition […] Read more »
Mold mites (typically Tyrophagus putrescentiae) thrive in environments with high humidity and mold growth. These mites feed on mold spores and other organic matter, making mold-contaminated areas ideal habitats. Allergies to mold mites in companion animals often present as respiratory issues, dermatitis, or itching. The molds associated with mold mites are often the same molds […] Read more »
Background: Glyphosate (eg, Roundup) is the most widely used herbicide in the world. In active use since 1974, glyphosate is found in our air, water, soil, and food. Glyphosate is quite robust to degradation and it distributes into the tissues with a half-life of 15 hours. Glyphosate and it’s main metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), are […] Read more »
Determining the root cause of hypo or hypercalcemia should be quick. Using additional biomarkers like PTH and Vitamin D, we can quickly determine what may be play, whether it’s hypercalcemia of malignancy, hyperparathyroidism, or hypoparathyroidism. Explore some common findings below for each of these situations, and utilize the VDI Calcemia Panel to expedite your differential. […] Read more »
Background: Proper nutrition is the foundation of long-term pet health. Unfortunately, most commercial pet foods do not provide adequate vitamin levels for some of the most important essential vitamins. While this is problematic, correction is easy with a simple Test & Treat strategy through VDI. Identify and correct nutritional deficiencies to improve health. Tip 1: […] Read more »
Fur mineral analysis can provide a lot of information about long-term exposure to environments and to the impact a diet is having on the nutritional status of the dog or cat. For many, fur analysis may be unfamiliar so here is a basic overview of some important information on fur. In this article: How “stuff” […] Read more »
Vitamin D is one of the most important yet overlooked nutrients in our pets’ diet. Raw diets, natural diets, grain-free diets, specialty diets, and the list continues, but none of them address a huge problem in their nutrition: Vitamin D levels. Here are 5 reasons why you should be testing Vitamin D levels in all […] Read more »
VDI offers a range of specialty cancer blood tests, each having different applications. Below are 6 options for when to consider using a VDI panel and which panels may be most appropriate. Scroll down to read more on each case. 1. Identified Mass To Biopsy or Not to Biopsy If you have identified a mass […] Read more »
Background Degenerative joint disease encompasses a wide range of diseases with osteoarthritis (OA) affecting 20% of all dogs and 80% in dogs greater than 8 years. In its advanced stages, OA can be painful and debilitating. Treatment of OA typically centers on reduction of pain and increased mobility. A key component of synovial is hyaluronan […] Read more »
Background Protein-losing syndromes, specifically protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and protein-losing nephropathy (PLN), are disease conditions when albumin and other protein-rich materials leak into the intestinal cavity or urine. Left untreated, there is a high mortality. Both PLE and PLN involve significant inflammation which is a part of the pathogenesis and treatment often includes the use of […] Read more »
