FAQs for Veterinarians

MiDOG^® is a state-of-the-art testing facility employing the latest, cutting-edge, molecular-based and Next-Generation DNA Sequencing technologies to accurately identify and characterize microbial populations in collected samples. The presence of both bacterial and fungal pathogens as well as antibiotic susceptibility (resistance) are revealed using the proprietary pipeline developed for the MiDOG® service offering.

Want to learn more? Watch our summary video here!

The test is comprised of two parts:

1) A swab collection kit for sampling done by the veterinarian and 2) a Next Generation DNA sequencing service performed at the MiDOG® testing facility on the samples submitted by the veterinarian.

The veterinarian is provided a comprehensive report outlining the results of the test. The report consists of three parts:

1. Bacterial and fungal pathogens detected.
2. Antibiotic resistance profile for each identified bacterial pathogen.
3. Supplemental data: Anything unusual that we find when comparing the sample to our clinically healthy canine database, as well as supplemental data on bacterial and fungal profile

​All in just one test! A sample report is shown here.

Watch a video explaining the different components of the report here.

There is currently no definitive list available because the MiDOG All-in-One Test detects up to 123,701 organisms, including fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and parasites. This test uses next-generation DNA sequencing, a highly sensitive, molecular-based diagnostic tool.

The All-in-One Test targets two highly conserved genomic regions: the 16S rRNA region for bacteria and the ITS region for fungi. Because every bacterial and fungal species contains these regions, the test can detect virtually all bacterial and fungal species present in a sample. This advanced sequencing method identifies and quantifies each organism and determines their antibiotic resistances.

After sequencing, the DNA data is compared against extensive genomic databases to identify species and assess whether they are known pathogens. Current databases contain billions of sequences covering more than 450,000 documented species. If a sequence is not yet described, the test identifies the closest known relative.

In short, this means the MiDOG All-in-One Test can detect virtually any bacterial or fungal species of interest present in the sample.

Yes, we can test patients that are currently taking antibiotics. We are able to see if the pathogen(s) are responding to the treatment, if there may be a secondary pathogen that is resistant to the antibiotic, and/or if commensals are impacted by the treatment as well. Especially for skin or ear swabs or feces, this is a great approach to track the real time response of the microbiome and pathogens to the antibiotic.

Ideally, the veterinarian would collect a sample before the treatment to select the most appropriate antibiotic (if needed), during the antibiotic treatment to see if the pathogen is responding to the treatment, and afterwards to see if the infection has cleared. Commensals may also be impacted by the treatment, and a lack of microbial diversity after an antibiotic treatment may be suggesting the use of probiotics in some cases. This approach has been previously shown in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Bradley et al. 2016 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X16004553)

There is no one-fits-all answer for this question. It depends on the sample type, the antibiotic treatment, the dose, and the question the clinician would like to answer. Please also refer to question “Can I submit a sample from a patient that is currently on antibiotic treatment?”. The amount of time an antibiotic can stay in the system can vary greatly (between hours and days), and the time for the commensal/healthy microbiome population to go back to ‘normal’ varies accordingly. A rule of thumb is, if the patient is no longer showing clinical signs of infection, please wait one week to submit a check up sample.

Yes. MiDOG processes samples from all animal species and is not limited to canine or feline patients. Testing can support companion animals, equine and livestock patients, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and aquatic species, exotic animals, zoo patients, wildlife, and conservation cases.

Examples include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, ferrets, parrots and other birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, frogs, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, fish, sharks, marine mammals, big cats, primates, and many other species.

MiDOG analyzes microbial DNA directly from the submitted sample, allowing infectious disease investigations across diverse host species without relying on a host-specific diagnostic panel. Appropriate sample types and collection methods depend on the anatomical site and clinical question. For case-specific collection guidance, contact the MiDOG team at info@midogtest.com or (833) 456-4364.

animal animals species pet pets veterinary canine canines dog dogs puppy puppies
feline felines cat cats kitten kittens equine horse horses pony ponies
rabbit rabbits bunny bunnies ferret ferrets polecat polecats
rodent rodents mouse mice rat rats hamster hamsters guinea pig guinea pigs
chinchilla chinchillas hedgehog hedgehogs
avian bird birds parrot parrots macaw macaws cockatoo cockatoos
parakeet parakeets budgie budgies chicken chickens poultry duck ducks
goose geese raptor raptors owl owls eagle eagles
reptile reptiles snake snakes lizard lizards bearded dragon bearded dragons
beardie beardies gecko geckos iguana iguanas chameleon chameleons
turtle turtles tortoise tortoises alligator alligators crocodile crocodiles
amphibian amphibians frog frogs toad toads salamander salamanders newt newts
livestock farm animal farm animals cattle cow cows bull bulls calf calves
goat goats sheep lamb lambs pig pigs swine alpaca alpacas llama llamas
fish fishes shark sharks ray rays stingray stingrays aquarium aquatic
marine dolphin dolphins whale whales seal seals sea lion sea lions
otter otters zoo wildlife wild animal wild animals exotic exotics
lion lions tiger tigers leopard leopards cheetah cheetahs
elephant elephants giraffe giraffes rhinoceros rhino rhinos zebra zebras
primate primates monkey monkeys ape apes gorilla gorillas
chimpanzee chimpanzees bear bears deer fox foxes wolf wolves coyote coyotes
raccoon raccoons kangaroo kangaroos koala koalas

The preferred sample is needle-aspirated pus from the abscess cavity or deep tissue from the abscess wall. These provide the highest pathogen yield and lowest contamination.

Swabs are not ideal and should only be used if aspiration or tissue collection is not possible.

Swab the deep advancing edge or abscess wall after opening and cleaning the lesion. This area best represents active infection.

Avoid:

• Superficial drainage/pus
• Necrotic center
• Surrounding intact skin
  These areas often contain contaminants or colonizing flora.

NGS detects all DNA present, so superficial samples increase background contamination, making results harder to interpret. Deep samples better reflect true pathogens.

Avoid:

• Aspirated pus (best)
• Deep tissue biopsy
• Deep swab of abscess wall
• Surface swab (worst)

Follow the instructions provided in the MiDOG^® All-in-One Microbial Test manual. The Swab Collection Manual can also be found here, and the Urine Collection Manual can be found here or watch our MiDOG^® sample collection instruction video here. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.

We provide you with a prepaid and pre-labelled FedEx envelope to send your samples to us. Our laboratory address is

MiDOG Laboratory, 14762 Bentley Cir., Tustin CA 92780.

MiDOG results are typically available within 2-3 business days after the sample is received and accessioned by the laboratory. Shipping time to the laboratory is not included in the testing turnaround time.

Once testing is complete, the report is made available through the MiDOG Lab Portal and the appropriate account contact is notified that the patient results are ready for review.

turnaround turnaround time turn around time TAT results result
test results testing results report reports patient report patient results
receive results get results results ready results available availability
processing time testing time laboratory time lab time how long
how soon when will I get results when will results be ready
report ready report available 48 hours two days three days
2 days 3 days business days portal lab portal

Yes. MiDOG accepts samples from any species, including domestic, exotic, and wildlife. The assay performs the same comprehensive DNA-based microbial detection across all submissions.

Yes, please send multiple samples in one envelope.

If only less than 2 ml of fluid can be collected from a patient, it is still possible to submit the sample. While a larger sample volume would be ideal to ensure accuracy of the analysis, we will process even samples with smaller volumes.

Please note, the detection limit of the MiDOG All-in-One assay is 200 cells per sample. If less than 2ml of submitted, the report may not list any bacteria or fungi.

Animal tissue samples may be submitted in the MiDOG collection tube with the white label. For best preservation, the tissue should be broken down or ground using sterile technique before being added to the tube. Smaller tissue pieces allow the buffer to better penetrate the sample, helping preserve the microbial DNA for testing.

Please do not send additional tissue or material outside of the MiDOG collection tube.

Only samples inside the MiDOG collection tubes will be accepted. To ensure the preservation of the material, please grind up the sample in a sterile mortar and pestle before adding it to the MiDOG collection tube with the white label.

Click the MiDOG tab on the top right-hand corner above your clinic name.

Yes, every clinic or hospital has their own account number, login information, and billing information.

Contact the MiDOG team by email or phone at info@midogtest.com or (833) 456-4364.

Yes, it is. The DNA preservation reagent we provide you with stabilizes your sample at room temperature for up to one year.

You can order up to 5 test kits (a total of 25 test). If you need more supplies, please contact customer service via email info@midogtest.com or over the phone (833) 456-4364.

There are 5 test preps in each kit.

Your order can be tracked by the tracking number provided via email or you can call the MiDOG Customer Service department at (833) 456-4364.

You can pay your bill online through the MiDOG portal, or by following the link below, by clicking the link in the email that we sent with your invoice information, over the phone at (833) 456-4364, or by mailing a check to MiDOG LLC, 14762 Bentley Cir., Tustin CA 92780.

https://www.midogtest.com/pay-your-invoice

You can pay your bill online through the MiDOG portal, or by following the link below, by clicking the link in the email that we sent with your invoice information, over the phone at (833) 456-4364, or by mailing a check to MiDOG LLC, 14762 Bentley Cir., Tustin CA 92780.

https://www.midogtest.com/pay-your-invoice

Yes, you can put your credit card on file for automated payments.

You can track it the FEDEX return labels provided with your order. We recommend always noting this information before sending us a sample for faster tracking. If you have not recorded the tracking number used, you can call our customer service department and they can help you locate the tracking number.

To view your patient’s report, click “LABS” on the top left-hand side of the screen. Enter either the “Tube Number, “Patient Name”, or owner name to filter the search results.

You can view the status by clicking the “LABS” tab.

To download your patient’s past results, click “LABS” on the top left-hand side of the screen.

Yes. To search your patient’s report, click “LABS” on the top left-hand side of the screen.

Enter either the “Tube Number, “Patient Name”, or owner names to filter the search results.

You may schedule a consultation using the portal by clicking on the consultation tab. Otherwise, please send us an email or give the customer service department a call at (833) 456-4364.