Search results for “drug”.
Analytical Testing Analytical testing capabilities for drug testing have evolved significantly over the years. Historically, techniques such as thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used to detect drugs. More modern day tests include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography – mass…
Animal drug testing plays a critical role in promoting fairness, animal welfare, and consumer safety at livestock shows and other animal competitions. Similar to testing conducted in horse racing and other performance-based animal events, livestock shows test animals for substances that may enhance phenotypical traits. Samples such as urine, blood, hair, feathers, eyeballs, and feces…
Therapeutic drugs can significantly improve the quality of life in animals with painful or long-term illnesses. However, it’s critical to monitor the level of medication in an animal’s body to ensure the dosage is safe and effective. The bodily response to therapeutic drugs is particularly important to monitor in pets with chronic conditions, such as…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (TVMDL) Analytical Chemistry Section offers a screen for the detection of beta-adrenergic agonist drugs, including albuterol, bambuterol, clenbuterol, ractopamine, and zilpaterol, in hair. Certain drugs bind to melanin in hair and can be detected months, and in some cases years, following drug administration. This provides horse racing regulators…
Blood was collected during a routine pre-purchase examination on a horse and submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station for drug testing. Serum was extracted using methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and analyzed by liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Romifidine was confirmed in the sample by LC-MS/MS. Romifidine…
The collection of hair samples should be undertaken by a competent individual within a secure, contamination-free facility. Hair is a strong, stable tissue that is simple to collect, transport, and store. Data suggest hair is as effective a matrix as retinal tissue for detecting beta-adrenergic agonist drugs (i.e. clenbuterol, zilpaterol, ractopamine and albuterol). Please note…
Canine Diagnostic Testing Canine Basic Thyroid Panel (T4, TSH, Free T4)The two most frequent thyroid disorders in dogs are primary hypothyroidism and euthyroid sick syndrome (repressed pituitary-thyroid axis due to non-thyroid illness). Additionally, some medications can induce hypothyroxinemia in dogs (i.e. phenobarbital, sulfa drugs, glucocorticoids). Other variables that may affect T4 and TSH include diestrus,…
The thyroid gland serves an important function in the overall health of animals. However, it can also lead to a host of health issues if not functioning properly. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) offers several options for assessing thyroid disorders. In addition to individual tests, TVMDL offers several panels specifically for canine,…
The Analytical Chemistry Section encompasses toxicology and drug testing. In this section, specimens are analyzed to diagnose poisonings and toxins. Specimens analyzed may include animal tissues, ingesta, blood, urine, plants, feed, hay, water, baits, fertilizer, etc. Staff can also identify poisonous plants and nutritional deficiencies of trace metals and vitamins. This section also identify drugs…