Orange County Business Journal features MiDOG

Irvine-based animal health testing startup MiDog LLC recently introduced a microbial test to identify hundreds of different types of bacteria in dogs to determine what is causing an illness or infection. Current testing methods usually include a stool sample being cultured by a veterinarian. MiDog company Director Dr. Janina Krumbeck said only about 1% of organisms show up in a culture test; MiDog uses DNA sequencing. This identifies all types of bacteria, fungi and other organisms to find what’s causing the problem. Krumbeck said more accurate analysis can reduce the number of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, which give rise to antibiotic resistant bacteria. MiDog works with about 70 vet offices, mainly in Southern California, but is looking to expand throughout the U.S. and Canada this year; it plans to introduce a urine analysis product within a month. The company launched late last year and is privately held.