Dr. Jan S. Suchodolski

Jan S. Suchodolski

MedVet, DrVetMed, Ph.D., AGAF, DACVM
Professor & Associate Director for Research of the GI Lab
Purina PetCare Endowed Chair for Microbiome Research

Cat & Dog Microbiome Research

Our research is focused on gastrointestinal function testing, gastrointestinal pathogens, and intestinal microbial ecology with an emphasis on probiotics and prebiotics and how intestinal pathogens lead to disturbances in the intestinal microbiome of companion animals.

Using high throughput pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, metagenomic, and metabolomics approaches, we are characterizing the gastrointestinal microbiome, metagenome, and metabolome of several veterinary species (e.g., dogs, cats, frogs, parrots, horses, mice, dolphins) in health and acute and chronic diarrhea. We are also studying the effects of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation and dietary interventions on the dog and cat metagenome and metabolome, including bile acid metabolism, for diagnostic and therapeutic application in animals with IBD, obesity, and Diabetes Mellitus. Our results suggest that microbiome manipulations via probiotics may be useful in the management of gastrointestinal disorders in dogs and cats.

A recent area of research is the microbiome changes after Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) in dogs and cats. We have developed a rapid test for assessment of canine microbiota, the Canine and Feline Dysbiosis Index. This test can be used for screening donors and also monitor the fecal microbiota before and after FMT.

Selected References 

(all references)

Curriculum Vitae

Jan S. Suchodolski graduated with a veterinary degree from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria in 1997. After working for several years in a small animal specialty clinic he returned to academia and received his Dr. med. vet. degree from the University of Vienna, Austria in recognition for his research on a potential diagnostic marker for canine gastric disease. In 2005, Dr. Suchodolski received his Ph.D. in Veterinary Microbiology from Texas A&M University for his work on molecular markers for the assessment of the intestinal microbiota. He is also board certified in immunology by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (ACVM). He currently serves as Associate Professor and Associate Director for Research of the GI Lab.

Education

  • Diplomate ACVM (Immunology), American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, 2012
  • Ph.D. Veterinary Microbiology, Texas A&M University, 2005
  • Dr.med.vet., Veterinary Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Austria, 2003
  • med. vet. Veterinary Medicine, Vetmeduni Vienna, Austria, 1997

Awards & Honors

  • June 2004 – Research Abstract Award (Best gastroenterology abstract presentation by an “Investigator in training” at the 2004 ACVIM Forum, Minneapolis, Minn.), conferred by the Comparative Gastroenterology Society
  • April 2005 – Texas A&M University Veterinary Auxiliary Graduate Award, Honors Convocation, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
  • June 2005 – Research Abstract Award (Best gastroenterology abstract presentation by an “Investigator in training” at the 2005 ACVIM Forum, Baltimore, Md.), conferred by the Comparative Gastroenterology Society
  • 2006 – Academic excellence award, Texas A&M Graduate Student, 2005-2006
  • 2010 – Best 2009 publication in Small Animal Gastroenterology, conferred by the European Emesis Council (EES)
  • 2015 – Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGAF)
  • 2016 – Outstanding Research Leader Award, Honors Convocation, VMBS – Texas A&M University
  • 2016 – Zoetis Award for Research Excellence
  • 2016 – Presentation Award short communication – 22nd FECAVA Eurocongress, Vienna, Austria

Service

Press Releases & Articles