A Smarter Approach to Skin & Allergy Cases
Diagnostic Support for Chronic Skin Conditions
Skin and ear issues are among the most common—and frustrating—reasons for veterinary visits. Whether it’s chronic itching, infections, or suspected food or environmental allergies, dermatological conditions in pets are often complex and multifactorial.
At VDI Laboratory, we offer a suite of diagnostic tools to help you identify the root cause of your patient’s skin problems and implement targeted care plans through our Test & Treat approach.
Why “Treating the Skin” Isn’t Enough
Topical therapies and antibiotics often provide temporary relief, but without identifying the underlying drivers, symptoms tend to return. Our diagnostics go beyond the surface—literally and figuratively—to assess immune response, inflammation, nutrient status, and even internal contributors like gut health or toxin burden.
With the right tests, you can:
- Reduce recurrence by addressing root causes
- Distinguish between allergic dermatitis and secondary infection
- Assess systemic imbalances impacting skin health
- Provide personalized treatment plans based on data
Many dermatologic cases are multifactorial, and what presents as a “skin problem” may actually be a systemic issue with dermatologic expression. For example, mineral imbalances can impair detoxification pathways, gut dysbiosis can trigger inflammatory responses through the gut-skin axis, and chronic mycotoxin exposure may suppress immune regulation. Understanding these internal drivers allows you to approach treatment with greater precision, especially in cases that fail to respond to conventional care. By layering diagnostics across immune, nutritional, microbial, and toxicologic domains, you gain a complete picture—and a more effective strategy.
Key Testing for Dermatological Cases
VDI’s diagnostic panels are designed to provide a more comprehensive clinical picture—from immune responses and infections to nutrient deficiencies, toxin exposures, and gut health. By selecting the right combination of tests, you can uncover the root cause of chronic skin conditions and confidently guide treatment.
Key Testing For Dermatological Cases
☑ Allergy Panel
Allergy Panel »
Identify food and environmental triggers using IgE antibody-based testing. Results help guide dietary elimination trials and allergy management strategies.
☑ Allergic Dermatitis & Infection Panel
Skin Infection & Allergic Response Panel »
An innovative tool that evaluates skin-focused immune dysregulation (IgE) and secondary infections—especially useful in recurrent otitis or atopy cases.
☑ Mineral & Toxic Metal Analysis
Hair Mineral Analysis »
Provides insight into long-term exposure to heavy metals and mineral imbalances that may manifest through dermatological signs like dull coat, hair loss, or persistent inflammation.
☑ Mycotoxin Exposure Panel
Mycotoxin & Environmental Toxin Testing »
Mycotoxins can disrupt immune function, impair detox pathways, and contribute to chronic skin inflammation or hypersensitivity reactions. This panel identifies 16 environmental toxins to uncover hidden contributors to dermatologic disease. Especially useful for patients with persistent or unexplained skin issues, despite typical allergy workups.
☑ Essential Vitamins Panel
Vitamin D, B12, Folate, Magnesium »
Deficiencies in key nutrients are common in chronic skin conditions. This panel supports identification of metabolic contributors and guides supplementation.
☑ GI Microbiome & Dysbiosis Testing
GI Microbiome Panel »
Emerging research confirms the gut-skin axis. Dysbiosis, leaky gut, or imbalanced bacteria can trigger or worsen dermatologic disease. This panel provides actionable insights.
The Test & Treat Advantage
Going Beyond Prescriptions—Supporting the Whole Patient
Dermatological issues are rarely solved with a single prescription. While pharmaceuticals like steroids, antibiotics, and antifungals can offer short-term relief, they often fail to address the underlying causes—and may even exacerbate the problem over time through microbiome disruption, resistance, or immune suppression.
VDI’s Test & Treat approach is built to change that. By combining diagnostic insights with curated products, we empower veterinarians to create individualized treatment plans that address not just symptoms, but the root causes of skin dysfunction.
Explore integrative product solutions tailored for skin health:
Skin, Ears & Allergy Support Products »
A Multimodal, Data-Driven Approach to Skin Health
True resolution of chronic dermatologic conditions requires more than symptomatic treatment. Our curated product catalog offers evidence-based support tools that align with your patient’s test results—so you can:
- Support immune modulation in allergic or non-allergic conditions
- Rebalance nutrient deficiencies affecting skin barrier function & immune function
- Restore healthy gut & skin flora along the gut–skin axis
- Detoxify from environmental triggers like mycotoxins or metals
- Calm inflammation without long-term reliance on corticosteroids
Trusted Products, Streamlined Access
Explore our Skin, Ears & Allergy Product Collection »
Specifically selected for compatibility with our testing panels. Products are chosen for efficacy, quality, and integration with lab data, allowing for precise, stepwise treatment plans that evolve as your patient improves.
Featured Derm Product Line
Provilan Topical Probiotics
Topical probiotics for a range of applications including Skin, Ears, Eyes, Mouth, and around the home. Many skin therapies leave the skin devoid of organisms, many of which are necessary. Topical probiotics give you a way to replace the good bacteria after treatment.
Patient-specific product & treatment recommendations
The single biggest shortcoming of routine reference laboratories is the lack of guidance on what the results mean in context to the patient, and then what to do next. VDI Laboratory raises the standard for diagnostic laboratories by providing patient-specific interpretation & product recommendations in what we call “Test & Treat.” We don’t simply provide numbers on a page and leave the veterinarian to figure out what it means – we are a true partner in your case management.
Patient-Centric Interpretation
All VDI results are interpreted based on patient context, provided by the clinic. This allows for the best possible interpretation of the results while freeing time for the medical team. Instead of finding a bunch of decision trees and following the complex paths, just provide the context and VDI will guide you in the right direction.
Curated Product Recommendation
VDI identifies synergistic partners, who develop and manufacture quality products, to pair with our test results -giving you a focused list of appropriate products for the patient based on clinical signs and test results. These products have demonstrated effectiveness for the application, and patient specific dosing guidelines are provided.
Action Plans for Next Steps
VDI will also provide clear guidance for additional testing and next steps where appropriate. Guidance may include:
- Retest window for patient monitoring
- Recommended other tests for concurrent disease or underlying contributors.
- Consultations: VDI offers free consultations to veterinarians at any stage along the case workup. Just ask!
When to Use VDI’s Specialty Testing
VDI’s diagnostic tools are ideal for cases involving:
- Chronic otitis externa
- Atopic dermatitis or allergic reactions
- Recurrent skin or ear infections
- Non-responsive derm cases after conventional therapy
- Suspected food/environmental allergy
- Dull coat, alopecia, or systemic symptoms
Better Outcomes Start with Better Answers
Whether you’re a veterinarian looking for clarity or a pet parent seeking lasting relief for your animal, VDI’s diagnostic strategy helps take the guesswork out of skin cases.
Let’s stop chasing symptoms—let’s find solutions.
Why partner with VDI on skin cases?
VDI Lab is more than a standard laboratory – we’re a partner in your patient workups. Time and money are both important factors in case management, and VDI is the greatest value for both. Industry leading testing, combined with expert interpretation that provides patient-specific clarity leads to quick diagnosis and less frustration for you and the client.
Industry Leading Test Portfolio
Get more information, from less sample, in fewer steps. Start with VDI to get better answers faster.
Patient-Specific Interpretation
VDI carries the burden of deciphering the case and providing detailed report interpretation specific to the individual pet.
Recommended
Action Plans
Patient context plus lab results plus curated products equals a roadmap to success. Get actionable information from VDI lab services- not just numbers.
Veterinary Consultations
Veterinarians can contact us any time to discuss prospective cases, lab results, or next steps. Email, call, or schedule a video meeting to discuss cases.
Excellent Customer Service
We strive to provide excellent customer service. Whether you call or email, we’re here to help.
Unending Improvement
VDI is continually improving our portfolio – ensuring we stay at the forefront of medicine to help provide the solutions your clients expect.