Success Stories

Heidi’s bilateral total ear canal ablation was avoided because of the MiDOG® Test!

Heidi and her mom. Orange, CA

Culture testing pointed to a S. pseudintermedius infection, but Heidi’s ears were overgrown with the fungus M. pachydermatis!

Heidi, a 13-year-old dachshund lady, was suffering from chronic ear infections so severe that her ears were shut. She was on Simplicef® because culture testing showed a S. pseudintermedius infection. However, her condition did not improve.

Her primary vet sent her to Dr. Kavanagh, who performed the MiDOG® Test on Heidi’s ears. It showed 85% of microbes in Heidi’s ears was actually M. pachydermatis. She was treated with an antifungal medication Instead of antibiotics and her infection cleared.

MiDOG® verified C. perfringens caused Buddy’s diarrhea.

Buddy. Newport Beach, CA

MiDOG® confirmed Buddy’s C. perfringens infection and pointed out unusual Fusobacterium amount.

The majority of dogs harbor C. perfringens in low numbers as part of their fecal microbes, even in the absence of disease. In Buddy’s case though, he was suffering from diarrhea and C. perfringens represented 40% of all the bacteria in his feces.

​The MiDOG® test gave Buddy’s vet the valuable additional information that there was also an unusual high amount of Fusobacterium present in his feces to guide her selection of the most appropriate antibiotic treatment.

The MiDOG® test identified a co-infection culture testing missed!

Marc and Bubu. Tustin, CA

BuBu had lesions on his paws that bled periodically. He saw his vet regularly, but the prescribed treatments, including antibiotics and antihistamines, weren’t working. After running the MiDOG® test, it became evident that BuBu had a major infection comprised of both Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. 

After treating with an appropriate regimen of topical antibiotics, BuBu made a complete recovery and the hair on his paws grew back. The test really gave an accurate glimpse of what caused his infection.

Dr. Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, from Animal Dermatology Group in Louisville

This kitty has the sweetest family who desperately wanted him better and quickly due to new additions being added to the family. He was diagnosed with mycobacteria and has been treated based on DNA sequencing with @midogtest

Thankfully in just one month he’s already feeling and looking so much better.

Blish Bean: A Tale of Triumph

Blish Bean

Dr. Lofgren’s expertise was pivotal in Blish Bean’s journey to recovery. Initially treating him with sulfatrim and metronidazole, she swiftly transitioned to a targeted regimen of penicillin G and itraconazole based on the diagnostic results from MiDOG. Despite challenges like an exposed lung and liver lobe, Dr. Lofgren’s precise adjustments to treatment, guided by diagnostics, led to Blish Bean’s full recovery within two months. This case underscores the importance of tailored diagnostics and clinical expertise in veterinary care.

Overcoming Chronic Respiratory Distress in a Rabbit

When Bear, a rabbit, was first brought in, she exhibited labored breathing and nasal discharge. Initial culture identified a Pasteurellaceae species, and she was prescribed Sulfatrim. Unfortunately, Bear didn’t return for follow-up care before the antibiotics were discontinued as directed.

Six months later, Bear presented again, this time for increased hiding behaviors and pronounced upper airway noise (stridor). Her owner had assumed these symptoms were normal and hadn’t recognized the disease progression. Due to financial constraints, additional hospitalization, culturing, or serology testing weren’t possible.

Relying on the previous culture results, the veterinary team initiated treatment with Bicillin, targeting the suspected Pasteurella infection. Bear responded well and is now showing significant clinical improvement.

Outcome:
Targeted treatment based on earlier culture data led to a successful recovery, highlighting the importance of early detection, clear follow-up plans, and practical decision-making when resources are limited.

Pepper’s Path to Relief: Unraveling a Complex Respiratory Infection in a Rat

Pepper Lyons, a rat, was brought in for sneezing and lethargy, subtle symptoms that can easily mask deeper respiratory issues. She was started on Azithromycin while awaiting culture results to avoid treatment delays.

The culture revealed a more complicated picture: pneumonia caused by a combination of Mycoplasma, CAR bacillus, and Streptococcus species. To address the multi-organism infection, Pepper was placed on a combination of Enrofloxacin and Clavamox.

Pepper showed noticeable improvement, though she continued to have occasional sneezing, likely linked to Mycoplasma, a common yet persistent contributor to chronic respiratory disease in rats. This case allowed the care team to educate Pepper’s owners that Mycoplasma often coexists with other pathogens, making a layered treatment approach essential.

Outcome:
Comprehensive culture-guided treatment led to symptom relief and improved quality of life, while clear communication helped the pet parents understand the chronic nature of certain infections.