Fecal and Serum Biomarkers in Gastrointestinal Diseases of Dogs and Cats: From Diagnosis to Disease Monitoring and Characterization

This project aims to develop, validate, and apply fecal and serum biomarkers for the diagnosis, characterization, and monitoring of acute and chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Research activities will include the collection and analysis of biological samples, the development and implementation of laboratory methodologies, and the evaluation of biomarkers associated with intestinal inflammation (e.g., fecal calprotectin), dysbiosis, bile acid metabolism, the gut–liver axis, intestinal permeability, and nutritional status (e.g., vitamin D). The results will be integrated with clinical, histopathological, and diagnostic imaging data to identify novel diagnostic and prognostic indicators, improve the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal diseases, and promote the development of precision veterinary medicine approaches.