NAVC Veterinary Microbiome Certification

Welcome to Microbiome Basics! You might have noticed an increasing discussion about the microbiomes of dogs and cats, and your clients might be asking you questions about this topic. While there is a wealth of knowledge to uncover regarding the microscopic communities living within our patients, this course offers practical information on microbiomes to enhance your discussions with clients, improve patient care, and promote overall health.

The NAVC Veterinary Microbiome Certification course comprehensively analyzes the microbes in the various systems of cats and dogs, focusing on their contributions to digestion, immune function and overall wellness. You’ll learn to distinguish between diagnostic tests, assess gut health with emerging technologies, and grasp the connections between the microbiome and critical organ systems, including the gut-brain and gut-skin axes. Uncover how factors such as diet, birthing practices and responsible use of antimicrobials affect microbiome balance and health outcomes. Acquire knowledge about microbiome-related therapies, from probiotics and prebiotics to innovative techniques such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Emphasizing clinical applications, you’ll assess current protocols and discover strategies that support microbiome health to improve patient care.

Once you complete this certification, you will have the skills and confidence to implement microbiome science in your daily veterinary practice. This will enhance the outcomes of your patients and position you at the cutting edge of this swiftly evolving field.

Comprehensive Course Outline:

Lesson 1 – Introduction

Microbiome Basics

Microbiome Bacteria

Microbiome Medicine: Past to Present

Veterinary Application: The Impact of the Gut Microbiome on Patient Health

Lesson 2 - Gut Microbiome

Development and Function of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Gut Microbiome

Understanding Dysbiosis in Microbiomes

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Gut Microbiome

Gut Dysbiosis and Clinical Signs

Lesson 3 - Diagnostics and Treatment

Introduction to Diagnostic Testing in Veterinary Medicine

Diagnostic Testing and the Microbiome

Treatment: Antimicrobials and Probiotics

Treatment Options: Prebiotics, Postbiotics, Colostrum, Synbiotics, FMT and Nutrition

Lesson 4 – Gut Axis and Patient Health Connection

Immune-Mediated Conditions

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Dermatological Conditions

The Oral Microbiome

Obesity and Joint Disease

Neurological Conditions

Cardiology, Neoplasia and Renal Conditions

Lesson 5 - Nutrition and Gut Microbiome

Function of Digestion

Role of Nutrient Type and Digestibility

Feeding to Meet Nutrient and Energy Requirements

Client Communication

Lesson 6 - Antimicrobial Stewardship and Course Summary

Effects of Antibiotic Therapy on the Microbiota

Understanding Influences

Putting It All Together - FMT and Microbiome Medicine

Final Exam: 40 questions

Requirements: Learners must complete a 6-hour On Demand Certification course and pass a timed exam with a score of at least 70%