When GI Symptoms Keep Coming Back, Look Deeper.
Recurring diarrhea, vomiting, gas, stool changes, appetite changes, or other unresolved concerns can be frustrating—especially when routine testing has not provided a clear answer. VDI’s GI Microbiome Panel gives you a deeper look at the bacterial and fungal community living in your pet’s gut.
✓ Advanced DNA sequencing
✓ Results to review with your veterinarian
What If the Gut Is Part of the Problem?
The microbiome is a living community of microorganisms inside the gastrointestinal tract. When that community becomes disrupted—a state often called dysbiosis—normal gut function can change. Because the microbiome interacts with digestion, metabolism, immune activity, and other systems, the signs are not always limited to the GI tract.
Already recognize your pet in this list?
You can order the stool-collection kit now and start looking deeper.
The Gut Microbiome Connects to Whole-Body Health
The microbiome helps support normal gastrointestinal function, but its influence extends beyond digestion. That is one reason persistent gut disruption can be worth investigating rather than simply managing the visible symptom.
DigestionHow food is processed in the GI tract
Nutrient AbsorptionPart of the pathway from food to usable nutrients
Immune FunctionThe gut interacts closely with immune activity
MetabolismMicrobial activity is linked with metabolic processes
Gut-Brain SignalingThe intestinal and nervous systems communicate
Skin & CoatWhole-body health can provide useful clinical context
A Much Deeper Look Than “Good Bacteria vs. Bad Bacteria”
VDI’s GI Microbiome Panel uses next-generation DNA sequencing to evaluate bacteria and fungi present in the stool sample and provide a quantitative picture of the microbial community.
Bacteria & Fungi
Identify and quantify organisms within the microbial community instead of relying on culture alone.
Community Balance
Evaluate microbial composition for patterns that may be consistent with disruption or dysbiosis.
Richness & Evenness
Look at how diverse the community is and how evenly organisms are represented.
Clinically Relevant Findings
Surface organisms and patterns that may deserve attention in the context of your pet’s clinical signs.
Why DNA Sequencing Matters
Traditional culture and targeted PCR only answer the questions they are designed to ask. Next-generation sequencing looks broadly across the microbial DNA present in the sample, producing a more complete picture of the bacterial and fungal community.
- Broad microbial identification rather than a single-organism target
- Quantitative community information
- Useful context for pets with persistent or unresolved GI concerns
Ready to Stop Guessing?
The sample is stool and can be collected at home using the materials in the kit. VDI analyzes the sample and provides results that you can review with your veterinarian in the context of your pet’s symptoms and history.
- Next-generation DNA sequencing
- Bacterial and fungal community analysis
- Quantitative microbiome information
- Results designed to support a veterinary discussion
Veterinary Diagnostics Built for Questions Routine Testing May Not Answer
VDI is a specialty veterinary laboratory focused on advanced diagnostics for dogs and cats. Microbiome results are intended to add context—not replace your veterinarian or your pet’s full clinical workup.
Testing is designed specifically for companion-animal use.
The GI panel uses broad DNA-based microbial analysis rather than a limited culture-only or targeted PCR approach.
A stool sample can be collected using the materials supplied with the kit.
Results are intended to be used alongside your pet’s symptoms, history, and other diagnostic findings.
Still Researching Your Pet’s GI Health?
These VDI resources can help you understand where microbiome testing fits within a broader gastrointestinal workup.
Broader GI WorkupAdvanced GI PanelLearn about VDI’s blood-based approach for pets needing a broader gastrointestinal evaluation.
Diet & NutritionExplore Other Nutrition TestsBrowse additional VDI testing related to nutrition, minerals, vitamins, and diet.
Before You Order
Can I collect the sample at home?
Yes. The GI Microbiome Panel requires a stool sample, and the product includes stool-collection materials for at-home collection.
Is this test intended for healthy pets?
Yes. The GI Microbiome Panel can also be used in healthy dogs and cats to evaluate how diet and environment may be influencing the gut flora. This information can help provide additional context for food choices and long-term health decisions, especially when reviewed with your veterinarian.
Will this test diagnose the cause of my pet’s symptoms?
No single microbiome test can diagnose every cause of gastrointestinal disease. The panel provides microbiome information that should be interpreted alongside your pet’s history, symptoms, other testing, and veterinary examination.
What does the test evaluate?
The GI Microbiome Panel uses next-generation DNA sequencing to evaluate the bacterial and fungal community in the stool sample, including quantitative composition and community characteristics such as richness and evenness.
What if my pet needs a broader GI workup?
VDI also offers blood-based gastrointestinal testing, including the Advanced GI Panel. Your veterinarian can help determine whether microbiome testing, blood testing, imaging, or other diagnostics are appropriate for your pet.
Take a Deeper Look at Your Pet’s Gut.
For persistent GI signs and unresolved concerns, microbiome testing can add information that routine testing may not capture.