A crash course in veterinary microbiomics

Abstract

Veterinary microbiomics has arrived and is thriving in today’s “Omics Era.” Investigating microbial diversity within veterinary species will allow researchers to determine the physiologic state of the microbiome in healthy animals as a first step in developing treatments for animals with ailments resulting from dysbiosis. What impacts on clinical practices will arise as a result of the genomic information steadily accumulating in laboratory settings? As those answers come to fruition, it is our job as medical professionals to be capable of interpreting data and results provided to us. In order to develop and utilize a skill set, veterinarians should become acquainted with basic foundational concepts of veterinary microbiomics. Building on these terms and definitions, we will explore, compare and contrast the clinical relevance of currently available information from those species for which this work has been performed. Understanding these concepts will ultimately provide veterinarians with tools to analyze data and integrate information into clinical practices when appropriate.