Managing diarrhoea cases in dogs and cats is a daily reality in general practice, and it can quickly become frustrating when the likely infectious cause is unclear. The canine and feline diarrhoea panels are our two most popular testing panels on the UlfaQ platform which gives practices a fast, practical way to move from uncertainty to actionable results, helping clinicians make better decisions during the same visit.
Unlike traditional approaches that may rely on send-away testing and delayed answers, UlfaQ delivers in-clinic qPCR results in around 30 to 40 minutes, supporting same-appointment clinical decision-making. That means more targeted treatment, more confident prescribing, and a clearer conversation with owners about what is happening and why.
Why the diarrhoea panel matters
The canine and feline diarrhoea panels are designed to help identify the most likely infectious causes of gastrointestinal disease in the species you are treating, using a single faecal sample. This can be especially valuable in common presentations where the differential list is broad and where a rapid answer can shape treatment, isolation advice, and follow-up planning.
Because UlfaQ reports quantitative qPCR data rather than a simple positive or negative result, it can provide a deeper understanding of pathogen load and infection stage. That added context can help practices interpret results more intelligently and avoid unnecessary or overly broad therapy.
Benefits for general practice
For first-opinion teams, the main advantage is speed without sacrificing laboratory-style detail. The workflow is designed to be straightforward, with a simple sample-to-result process that fits into a busy consult day.
Key benefits include:
- Faster diagnosis and earlier targeted treatment.
- Better antimicrobial stewardship through more evidence-based choices.
- Improved client confidence through clear, same-day answers.
- Added flexibility for clinics that want to expand their in-house diagnostics offering.
Image 1: An example of a small tablet showing a digital multiplex qPCR reading. Here, one sample can be used to screen for multiple pathogens in conditions such as diarrhoea, respiratory disease, ocular discharges often screening DNA/RNA viruses, bacteria and parasitic pathogens in one run of the sample. The outputs are easily read and with little training, can be produced in as little as 30 minutes depending on the sample type.
Meet the team at BVA Live 2026
If you are attending BVA Live 2026, you can book in to discuss how UlfaQ could alter your lab diagnostics offering in general practice and see how easy it is to use for common diarrhoea cases. Zytca will be showcasing its in-clinic qPCR technology at the event, with a focus on practical diagnostics that can be integrated into everyday small animal care.
You can also hear more from Dr Marvin Firth, Director of Pathology and Partnerships at Zytca Animal Health, during the Exhibitor Showcase on Thursday 11 June 2026 from 10:00 to 10:50. His session is titled “Bringing Advanced Diagnostics Into Your Clinic,” and will highlight how in-clinic qPCR is changing the way common conditions are managed.
See you there…!
Whether you are looking to improve turnaround times, broaden your in-house testing options, or provide more precise answers for diarrhoea cases, UlfaQ offers a compelling new approach for modern general practice. BVA Live 2026 is the ideal place to see the system in action, ask questions, and explore how it could fit into your diagnostic pathway.
