Photosensitization is a serious skin condition in horses and cattle caused by a hazardous combination of certain plants and ultraviolet (UV) light. Certain plants contain photodynamic agents, which then cause a reaction in the animal’s body that … [Read more...] about Photosensitization: Causes and testing options
News
Sample instructions to improve vitamin and trace mineral test results
Sample instructions to improve vitamin and trace mineral test results Cat Barr, PhD, DABT The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) has recently updated the sample requirements for Vitamins A and E in serum and for Trace … [Read more...] about Sample instructions to improve vitamin and trace mineral test results
Novel gammaherpesvirus associated with primary gastric T-cell lymphoma in a free-ranging giant armadillo in Brazil
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) pathologist Josué Díaz-Delgago, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVP is part of a team that recently published an article over a novel gammaherpevirus in a free-ranging giant armadillo in Brazil. The … [Read more...] about Novel gammaherpesvirus associated with primary gastric T-cell lymphoma in a free-ranging giant armadillo in Brazil
How to create a comprehensive serology testing plan
Prior to diagnostic testing, it’s important to determine what factors would lead to the most comprehensive assessment of an animal’s condition. Each case must be evaluated individually in order to establish the most practical diagnostic testing … [Read more...] about How to create a comprehensive serology testing plan
Presumptive Primary Cerebral T-Cell Lymphoma in a White-Tailed Deer
Four professionals from the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) recently contributed to literature covering a novel case in a white-tailed deer. Three members of TVMDL's anatomic pathology section, Josué Díaz-Delgado, DVM, … [Read more...] about Presumptive Primary Cerebral T-Cell Lymphoma in a White-Tailed Deer
TVMDL retires Mycoplasma gallisepticum (HI) and Mycoplasma synoviae (HI) tests
Starting July 1, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) will retire the Mycoplasma gallisepticum hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and Mycoplasma synoviae (HI) tests due to a decline in requests. As an alternative, … [Read more...] about TVMDL retires Mycoplasma gallisepticum (HI) and Mycoplasma synoviae (HI) tests
Recent study highlights the importance of testing stray Mexico origin cattle for tick-borne pathogens
The United States' cattle industry was ravaged in the early 20th century due to Texas cattle fever, a disease caused by tick-borne parasites Babesia bovis and B. Bigemia. These parasites were transmitted by two species of ticks in the sub-genus … [Read more...] about Recent study highlights the importance of testing stray Mexico origin cattle for tick-borne pathogens
Shipping samples in extreme heat
Much of Texas is beginning to experience triple digit heat. Typically, this period of extreme temperature will stretch across the entire summer. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) encourages clients to ensure samples … [Read more...] about Shipping samples in extreme heat
TVMDL hosts Texas A&M AgriLife Veterinary Science Certificate Program
This week, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) hosted 30 students participating in the Texas A&M AgriLife Veterinary Science Certificate Program (VSCP). While at TVMDL, students toured the laboratory, listened to an … [Read more...] about TVMDL hosts Texas A&M AgriLife Veterinary Science Certificate Program
TVMDL retires Campylobacter fetus (Microagglutination)
Starting June 10, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) will no longer offer Campylobacter fetus (Microagglutination). Overtime, more reliable methods have been developed and requests for this test have steadily declined. … [Read more...] about TVMDL retires Campylobacter fetus (Microagglutination)
Akey set to retire from Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
After 34 years in the veterinary field, Bruce Akey, DVM, director of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Bryan-College Station, will retire at the end of June. Akey joined TVMDL in 2014. Since joining the agency, he has … [Read more...] about Akey set to retire from Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Heavy rains increase potential for mosquito-borne diseases
Recently, most of Texas has experienced record-setting rainfall. Flood waters can lead to a multitude of animal health concerns, but as the weather begins to warm up, one concern has the potential to be the most harmful: mosquitos. When it comes … [Read more...] about Heavy rains increase potential for mosquito-borne diseases
Celebrate with us! View the live stream of TVMDL Canyon’s grand opening
Join TVMDL as we celebrate the grand opening of our Canyon laboratory on June 3! We are excited to share in the excitement with our neighbors at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science's VERO as we both celebrate the grand … [Read more...] about Celebrate with us! View the live stream of TVMDL Canyon’s grand opening
TVMDL updates reference intervals for several feline tests
In an effort to always provide optimum client service, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory's (TVMDL) clinical pathology section in College Station recently completed a large study to update the reference intervals for several … [Read more...] about TVMDL updates reference intervals for several feline tests
TVMDL’s diagnostic plans: Adding efficiency to diagnostic testing
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) offers clients four sets of diagnostic plans based on clinical signs or gross necropsy findings. Each plan is a suggested start to diagnostic testing. The client has the ability to … [Read more...] about TVMDL’s diagnostic plans: Adding efficiency to diagnostic testing
Robbins joins TVMDL as Canyon resident director
Rebecca Robbins, DVM, PhD joined the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (TVMDL) Canyon laboratory on May 10. She will serve as the laboratory’s resident director. Robbins is a three-time graduate of North Carolina State … [Read more...] about Robbins joins TVMDL as Canyon resident director
TVMDL retires Cholinesterase test
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) has retired Cholinesterase (Kinetic pH/Kinetic Colorimetric). Due to the availability of safer pest control products, organophosphate and carbamate pesticide intoxication has become … [Read more...] about TVMDL retires Cholinesterase test
Bone biopsy best practices
Submitting samples of bone for histopathological analysis is essential to definitively diagnose most primary bone diseases (e.g., osteosarcoma). However, collecting representative bone biopsy specimens and their histopathological interpretations … [Read more...] about Bone biopsy best practices
Borst and Edwards co-author article over zoonotic filarioid nematode in south Texas dog
Onchocerca lupi is a parasite that can be found in the periocular tissues of dogs. In the United States, most documented cases of canine onchocerciasis have been from the southwestern United States, primarily California and New Mexico. Anatomic … [Read more...] about Borst and Edwards co-author article over zoonotic filarioid nematode in south Texas dog
Edwards contributes to literature over Chagas disease in government working dogs
TVMDL Anatomic Pathology Assistant Section Head Erin Edwards, DVM, MS, DACVP recently co-authored a publication on Chagas disease in government working dogs. This article, titled “Fatal Chagas myocarditis in government working dogs in the southern … [Read more...] about Edwards contributes to literature over Chagas disease in government working dogs
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab on the front lines of pet food recalls
This story originally appeared in AgriLife Today and was written by Kay Ledbetter. When small-animal veterinarians have questions or problems, they often turn to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, due to the … [Read more...] about Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab on the front lines of pet food recalls
TVMDL upgrades strychnine test; Testing now offered for serum samples
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (TVMDL) analytical chemistry section recently upgraded its strychnine test. Changes made include detection of strychnine using LC/MS instead of HPLC and detection of strychnine in … [Read more...] about TVMDL upgrades strychnine test; Testing now offered for serum samples
Piccione co-authors article over Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in dog
Clinical Pathology Section Head Julie Piccione, DVM, MS, DACVP recently co-authored an article that covers a case of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in a 7-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier. Learn more about this case and access the article by visiting … [Read more...] about Piccione co-authors article over Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in dog
How to get the most from your diagnostic consultation
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) offers consultation services over a variety of subjects. No matter the topic of discussion, here are some ways to ensure you are prepared for your consultation. General … [Read more...] about How to get the most from your diagnostic consultation
*Update* Canyon laboratory opening at 1 p.m.
Due to inclement weather in the Panhandle, the Canyon laboratory is expected to open at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17. The lab was previously expected to open at 11 a.m., however, weather and road conditions have not improved. Clients are encouraged … [Read more...] about *Update* Canyon laboratory opening at 1 p.m.