Results 1–160 of 160 for "necropsy."
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Forensic pathology/legal necropsy examinations
...merous photographs are taken from the start of the case and throughout the necropsy. At necropsy, the pathologist evaluates the animal for injuries, diseases, and other abnormalities and then writes a detailed report documenting all the findings. Evidence for potential use in an investigation is collected and can include things like collars, chains, insects, soil, projectiles, etc. Samples of tissue and/or bodily fluids are collected and saved for...
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Necropsy – Avian, Reptiles & Amphibians
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death. Avian species such as love birds, cockatiels, etc. are included in this test. For poultry species (chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail, geese, guinea, etc.), please request "Necropsy-Poultry".
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Harris’s hawk diagnosed with fatal herpesvirus infection at necropsy
...ted for oral trichomoniasis. The patient passed away and was submitted for necropsy to search for any underlying diseases that may have predisposed the bird to Trichomonas infection. At necropsy, oral lesions consistent with trichomoniasis were confirmed. These lesions also extended throughout the esophagus and crop. More notably, the spleen in this hawk was enlarged and was mottled white and tan, indicating a necrotizing splenitis (see Figure 1)....
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Necropsy offering for companion animal neonates added to TVMDL test catalog
...ven days old or younger to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death. Necropsy – Companion Animal Neonate is more cost-effective than TVMDL’s traditional companion animal necropsy offering for clients who are interested in examinations for multiple animals within a litter. The offering is $100 for the first animal and an additional $40 for each additional animal from the same litter. Test: Necropsy – Companion Animal Neonate Test Code: 1535 P...
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Necropsy of a Sulcata Tortoise (Geochelone sulcate) with Urinary Calculi
...Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (TVMDL) Amarillo laboratory for necropsy. The history indicated that the tortoise had died unexpectedly with a history of bloating and a progressively soft shell. No clinical diagnosis was made by the referring veterinarian. A popular pet for reptile lovers, the sulcate tortoise, Geochelone sulcate, also known as the African spurred tortoise, can grow up to 36 inches in length and weigh more than 200 poun...
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Necropsy of rare bovine conjoined twins
Necropsy of rare bovine conjoined twins By Erin Edwards, DVM, MS, DACVP and Gaya Balamayooran, DVM, PhD, DACVP Recently, bovine conjoined twin calves were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). Both the dam and sire were angus crosses from a herd of 250 head in the eastern region of Texas. There had been no prior occurrences of conjoined twins or other congenital abnormalities on the property. The dam had pre...
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How to assemble a necropsy field kit
...e Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory suggests assembling a necropsy field kit. The kit should include the following tools and materials, all of which are available from a hardware store: A 15-inch crosscut saw with a coarse blade. Pruning loppers, 29 to 31 inches. A dead-blow mallet. A camping hatchet. A boning knife). One box of quart-size re-sealable bags. One box of gallon-size re-sealable bags. In addition, include a set of sur...
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Necropsy – Equine 1001-2000 lbs.
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Equine Under 200 lbs.
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Companion & Exotics 50 lbs. and Under
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Companion & Exotics 51 lbs. and Over
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Small Mammals
Post-mortem examination and dissection to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death. This test is meant for pocket pets, rabbits, rodents, and other small mammals.
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Necropsy – Food & Production Animals 200 lbs. and Under
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death. This test is meant for cattle, small ruminants (sheep, goats), pigs, and camelids (alpacas, llamas).
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Necropsy – Food & Production Animals 1001 lbs. and Over
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Equine 201-1000 lbs.
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Animals Over 2000 lbs.
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Deer & Exotic Ruminants 25 lbs. and Under
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Deer & Exotic Ruminants 26 lbs. and Over
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Food & Production Animals 201-1000 lbs.
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Poultry
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Companion Animal Neonate
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a neonatal animal (less than 7 days old) to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Aborted Fetus or Fertile Egg
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole fetus or egg to harvest tissues and determine a cause of death.
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Necropsy – Poultry Hatchery
Post-mortem examination and dissection of a whole animal to harvest tissues for surveillance purposes.
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Trapp named recipient of 2020 Director’s Excellence Award
...l these qualities and is frequently commended for his dependability on the necropsy floor. The necropsy section regularly processes high-volume submissions, such as deer herd depopulations, that Trapp handles and manages efficiently. Most recently, Trapp was part of a team that performed a necropsy on an elephant. Although a unique challenge, Trapp’s assistance during this case proved to be integral. Since assuming the role of lead necropsy techni...
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Equine Syndromic Diagnostic Plans
...e) Fresh tissue, swabs, fungal isolate. 21 days Bacteriology CAN CS MTWRFS Necropsy Carcass 1-4 days Necropsy CAN CS MTWRF Histopathology - Postmortem 8 or Fewer Tissues Formalin fixed tissue 2-5 days Histopathology CAN CS MTWRF Histopathology - Postmortem 9 or More Tissues Formalin fixed tissue 2-5 days Histopathology CAN CS MTWRF Schedule: M=Monday, T=Tuesday, W=Wednesday, R=Thursday, F=Friday, Sa=Saturday Equine Ophthalmology Diagnostic Plan Th...
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Small Ruminant Syndromic Diagnostic Plans
...S Detection (rtPCR) 1-2 mL EDTA blood 1-4 days Molecular Diagnostics CS TR Necropsy Carcass 1-4 days Necropsy CAN CS MTWRF Small Ruminant Lentivirus (cELISA) (CAE/OPP) 1 mL serum 1-3 days Serology CS MR Virus Isolation (Cell Culture) 2-5 g fresh tissue, 14-21 days Virology CAN CS TF T Sodium (FAAS) [Referral] Fresh brain hemisphere (20 g) - Referral CSU VDL - Listeria monocytogenes (PCR) [Referral] 5 g brain, 2 mL EDTA blood, 2 mL CSF, 50 mL milk...
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Buckner recognized as Director’s Excellence Award recipient for 2022
...wo pathologists and quickly become a well-oiled machine,” Aubrey Waggoner, necropsy technician and Buckner’s nominator, said. “She knows our procedures in necropsy and is capable of running one of the biggest pieces of equipment in the building, the incinerator.” Buckner soon gained additional responsibilities similar to that of a full-time employee. Though she is still a student, Buckner has become a trusted resource for her coworkers who often r...
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TVMDL Fee Schedule
...4.00 Disposal - TSE Head Disposal of a head received for TSE testing. $23.00 Disposal – Companion Animal 20 lbs and Under Processing companion animal carcasses 20 lbs and under for disposal only (no necropsy). $81.00 Disposal – Companion Animal 21 lbs and Up Processing companion animal carcasses 21 lbs and over for disposal only (no necropsy). $108.00 Disposal – Equine...
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Two Cats Diagnosed with Hepatic Amyloidosis and Secondary Hepatic Rupture
...these cats developed severe icterus that was notable in the clinic and at necropsy. At necropsy, the abdomens contained small to moderate amounts of non-clotted blood, indicating a hemoabdomen. The source of the blood was from the liver, which both had multifocal clots of blood on the surface and in the parenchyma (Figure 1). The rest of the liver was pale and extremely friable, especially when compared to the other organs. Histologically, both c...
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Specimen Collection Information
...as birds or rodents into formalin, since internal organs do not get fixed properly by this procedure. Regardless of whether the carcass is fresh or fixed, a necropsy fee will be charged if TVMDL has to perform a necropsy on the submitted specimen....
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TVMDL Sections
...d number of tests designed to detect genetic defects are also offered. The Necropsy Section performs necropsies on deceased animals to determine a probable cause of death or to collect specimens for additional testing, the results of which may be used to select the appropriate treatment for other animals in a herd, band, flock, kennel or litter of animals. Reasons for performing a necropsy often have a legal or disease investigation basis. The lab...
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“Hardware Disease” in Backyard Chickens
...adult female black-feathered chicken, weighing 1.42 kg, was presented for necropsy with a clinical history of the owner losing a bird a day. The owner had recently completed construction of a new coop for the birds. Necropsy examination revealed extensive feather loss over the back which appeared predominantlyto be post-mortem as the skin appeared normal and bloodless.Ahole was present in the right lateral wall of the coelomic cavity with hemorrh...
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Waggoner recipient of 2021 Director’s Excellence Award in technical category
...people.” Waggoner was initially hired as an entry-level technician in the necropsy section. After becoming proficient in her section duties, she began assisting across other areas in the lab. Now, she is one of the Canyon lab’s most cross-trained employees. In addition to her duties in necropsy, Waggoner is also crossed trained to prepare and process clinical pathology samples. She is also the only technician in Canyon trained to process parasito...
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TVMDL Bovine Testing Guidance and Reference Material
...n the clinic or in the field, it’s imperative to perform a thorough bovine necropsy evaluation. View this section for a comprehensive approach to performing necropsies. Bovine Diagnostic Plans TVMDL bovine diagnosticians developed eight plans to assist practitioners and producers begin the testing process. Each plan is based on clinical signs or gross necropsy findings and offers a comprehensive list of recommended tests. View this page for more i...
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Education Library
...isease Skin Biopsy Best Practices Bone Biopsy Best Practices Understanding Necropsy and Histologic Artifacts Forensic Pathology/Legal Necropsy Examination Molecular Diagnostics Molecular Diagnostics Result Interpretation Sending Samples for Molecular Diagnostic Testing Verify Results Using Your Smartphone Serology Serum Sample Guidelines How to Create a Comprehensive Serology Testing Plan Verify Results Using Your Smartphone Toxicology Fumonisin F...
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Bacillary hemoglobinuria in feeder cattle
...e clinical presentation, the mortality rate in the at-risk population, the necropsy, and other diagnostic testing findings, the cattle were diagnosed with bacillary hemoglobinuria. Bacillary hemoglobinuria (“red water”) is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium novyi type D. This clostridium was previously known as Clostridium haemolyticum. C. novyiis commonly found in soil and spores are ingested and passed from the feces and urine of cattle gr...
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High mortality in a litter of puppies: Infection with canine herpesvirus
...emorrhage and necrosis. In puppies, the most characteristic lesion seen at necropsy is disseminated petechial to ecchymotic renal hemorrhage. Available confirmatory diagnostic tests include PCR and histopathology, though viral inclusions are sometimes difficult to find histologically. Figure 1: Photo of kidney lesions at the time of necropsy. These kidneys have disseminated petechial to ecchymotic hemorrhages, a characteristic lesion of canine her...
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Infectious respiratory disease in a group of dogs
...terized by sudden onset of fever, dyspnea and hemorrhagic nasal discharge. Necropsy lesions consist of pleural effusion and severe pneumonia. Microscopically, the infection is characterized by severe fibrino-hemorrhagic and necrotizing pneumonia. S. zooepidemicus sporadically causes zoonotic infections with potentially serious consequences. Dogs that have died from acute respiratory disease should be submitted to TVMDL as soon as possible in order...
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Cremation
...tions, TVMDL can only hold bodies for cremation for seven days following a necropsy examination. Unless a client requested a body to be held for cremation on the submission form, bodies are disposed of following necropsy. To adhere to biosafety protocols, TVMDL cannot release any remains or body parts, such as fur clippings or feathers, other than to professional crematoriums and cannot ship remains. For horses, only the heart, head, and hooves ca...
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Carcinomatosis in laying chickens
...atosis. In a similar case, one dead adult female chicken was presented for necropsy to the Gonzales laboratory. History noted the chicken was found dead on the coop floor following a decrease in appetite over the previous two to four days. Upon necropsy evaluation, the bird had moderate breast muscle atrophy and weighed 1.83 kilograms. Approximately 200 ml of straw-colored fluid was present in the coelomic cavity. The liver contained multiple poly...
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Infectious laryngotracheitis diagnosed in laying chicken
...Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in Gonzales, Texas for necropsy. Necropsy revealed changes only within the trachea. Blood and fibrinous exudate were present in the upper one-third of the trachea. The underlying mucosa had a roughened appearance. Microscopically sections of trachea had extensive exudation of red blood cells, fibrin, heterophils, and macrophages into the tracheal lumen (Figure 1). Many degenerating epithelial cel...
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Multiple Cases of Ulcerative Enteritis Diagnosed in Quail
...orting high mortalities, with some finding 200-400 birds dead each day. At necropsy, these quail have all been diagnosed with ulcerative enteritis. Ulcerative enteritis is also known as quail enteritis or quail disease. The pathologic lesions are often strongly characteristic and diagnostic. The intestinal lesions can range in severity. Most cases have multifocal, round, “button” ulcers that are covered by diphtheritic membranes. These lesions are...
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Nitrate toxicity in a herd of cattle
...re had not been fertilized, even though it had been irrigated recently. At necropsy, blood was noted as being dark brown, rather than red as is typically presented in recently deceased animals. This change is characteristic of methemoglobinemia. This coupled with the cattle’s history of being on an irrigated wheat pasture with a fertilizer system, elevated nitrate toxicity to the top of the differential list. Furthermore, nitrate toxicity would fi...
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Porcine Circovirus type 2: A focus on respiratory disease
...nasia, the animal was unable to stand, and nasal drainage was observed. On necropsy, the thoracic cavity contained a small amount of serosanguineous fluid and the lungs were mottled red to tan suggesting an inflammatory disease process. On cut section, the lungs oozed a moderate amount of serosanguineous fluid consistent with pulmonary edema. The nasal turbinates were congested and covered with a small amount of mucus. The thoracic and mesenteric...
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Toxoplasmosis in a Herd of Kangaroos
...lness. One was reported to have labored breathing shortly before death. At necropsy, three of the kangaroos had a pneumonia characterized by diffuse, purple to red mottling and failure of the lung tissue to collapse. Formalin-fixed tissue samples from some kangaroos were submitted for histopathology. Histopathology confirmed the pneumonia and also revealed multifocal, mild inflammation in the heart and brain. Upon closer examination, scattered pro...
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Duodenitis/proximal jejunitis (DPJ) in a horse
...non-response to treatment, and poor prognosis. Upon opening the abdomen at necropsy, the stomach was found to be severely distended with gas. The duodenum and proximal jejunum were moderately distended. The right and left dorsal and ventral colon were very small and attenuated. The content of the stomach consisted of large amounts of free gas and approximately 1.7 gallons of green, watery fluid with small amounts of vegetal material. The mucosa of...
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Fatty Liver – Hemorrhagic Syndrome in a Chicken
...nations or treatments and lived in a coop and run, i.e. not free range. On necropsy examination, the bird weighed 2.35 kilograms and no external abnormalities were noted. Upon opening the coelomic cavity, a large blood clot was present overlying one liver lobe (Figure 1). The underlying liver had a rupture in its capsule which was the source of the blood clot (Figure 2). Numerous smaller blood clots were observed under the capsular surface of the...
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Fetal loss and neonatal mortality due to Neospora caninum in a litter of German Shorthaired Pointers
...cropsy and additional testing. The cause of death was not obvious on gross necropsy. Gross lesions associated with CHV were not observed but fresh liver was tested via Canine Herpesvirus Type 1 (rtPCR) and CHV was not detected. Histology demonstrated necrotizing encephalitis, lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis, rhabdomyositis and pneumonia with protozoan cyst in the brain and intralesional tachyzoites in several tissues. These findings were consistent...
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Aspergillosis in a Pacific Eider
...exas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. At necropsy, the clinical suspicion of aspergillosis was confirmed. All air sacs were coated by green, velvety, fungal colonies that released spores upon manipulation (Figure 1). Some air sacs were also covered by thick layers of fibrin, and inflammatory exudate extended into the lungs. Histopathology showed abundant fungal hyphae coated by layers of conidia (Figure 2). To iso...
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Diagnostic Guidance: Postmortem Atlanto-occipital Cerebral Spinal Fluid Sampling in Large Animals
...lular degradation is rapid due to the low protein concentration. Supplies: Necropsy knife Red Top Tube (RTT) Purple Top Tube (PTT) Sterile 6cc syringe with an 18 gauge by 1.5 inch needle Procedure: NOTE: CSF must be collected prior to disarticulating the head from the cervical vertebrae to ensure a sterile sample with minimal blood contamination. 1. As part of the routine necropsy procedure once the cervical aspect of the pluck (tongue, larynx, an...
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Gomez awarded 2021 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Diagnostic Services
...000 submissions. In addition to overseeing the agency’s histopathology and necropsy services, Dr. Gomez was part of a team actively responding to the surge. He worked alongside section leadership to develop a testing operation that would ensure TVMDL could perform testing efficiently, while also providing clients results quickly. As a pathologist Dr. Gomez’s role was primarily evaluating slides. Him, and other pathologists, were the final stage in...
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Home
After Hours and Emergencies After Hours Sample Drop-off After Hours Necropsy STAT Testing For veterinary emergencies, contact your local veterinarian or the Texas A&M Large or Small Animal Hospitals. Testing Information TVMDL Fee Schedule Research Testing Texas Pullorum-Typhoid Program Rabies and Primates Import/Export Testing Education Library Stemming the Spread of Corynebacterium pseudotubercolosis How to Safely Package a Sample for Shipping a...
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Drop Off a Sample
...5.3414 and follow the prompts to be connected to the after hours employee. Necropsy services are performed Monday-Friday during regular business hours. Canyon Some small animal carcasses, such as dogs, cats, and most animals weighing under 50 lbs. may be able to fit in the the refrigerator located in the sample drop off room. Larger carcasses will likely require assistance. If possible, clients are encouraged to call and request assistance 20 to 3...
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Achyla spp. pathogen noted in alligator hatchings
...ry and diagnostic communities. Two alligator hatchlings were presented for necropsy to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) from an alligator farm. The alligator farmer noticed animals in one of his pens had started developing milky looking skin lesions over the beak and the back. Milky lesions noted on alligator hatching The lesions would progress, the animals would stop eating and then ultimately die. Only one pen was i...
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Listeriosis in a feed yard steer
.... He was found dead the next morning. The veterinarian performed a cursory necropsy and submitted samples to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for laboratory testing. The brain was removed at necropsy and gross lesions were not observed at that time. Heart, lung, trachea, liver, kidney, spleen, and brain were submitted for histologic examination. The brain samples had been selected in an unconventional manner yet did i...
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Q fever abortion diagnosed at TVMDL
...ella burnetii by qPCR. Other fresh and formalin fixed tissues collected at necropsy were maintained in containment pending the Q fever qPCR results, which in this case turned out to be positive. Q fever is a highly infectious zoonotic disease. In the United States, C. burnetii is classified as a category B potential aerosolized biological weapon. It is included on the federal list of Select Agents as a potential bioterroism agent and is therefore...
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Threadworms found in Chukar partridges
...Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Gonzales for necropsy. At the time of examination, all birds were alert, but most were very thin with prominent keels. All birds were similar in necropsy findings with mild to severe breast muscle atrophy. Feed was present in both the crop and gizzard. The small intestines were slightly reddened and the mucosa of the duodenum and jejunum in some birds was mildly thickened while in other...
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Cryptosporidium serpentis in snakes
...melanurus), a snake native to Central and South America, was presented for necropsy at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for chronic regurgitation. Upon necropsy examination, the stomach was markedly thickened with prominent rugal folds. The remainder of the visceral organs appeared within normal limits. Histologically, the gastric glands were markedly hyperplastic with moderate numbers of heterophils and a few mixed i...
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Strongylus vulgaris associated with liver damage and neurologic symptoms in a gelding
...d after becoming intractable. The attending veterinarian performed a field necropsy and noted icterus, subcutaneous hemorrhages (attributed to trauma), acute pleural hemorrhage, agonal endocardial hemorrhages, hemomelasma ilei and chronic cranial mesenteric arteritis. Selected tissues were submitted in formalin for histopathologic examination at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). Ancillary laboratory testing included r...
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Abortion of a sheep fetus due to Cache Valley Fever Virus
...ed to the Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for a routine necropsy. The fetus had scoliosis. The skull and maxillae were deviated to the left. There was no intact brain tissue in the cranial vault. In place of the brain there was a thin membranous sac filled with reddish colored fluid. There were no significant lesions in any of the organs in the thoracic or abdominal cavities. Because of the type of lesions identified at the gros...
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Visceral Mast Cell Tumor in a Cat
...as submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. The clinical history mentioned depression with periodic vomiting for 2 to 3 days. The animal was given medication for the vomiting and died soon afterwards. The primary lesion observed at necropsy was marked splenomegaly; the spleen was approximately four times its normal size and was uniformly pink and firm. Histologic evaluation of the spleen revealed that the n...
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Valvular endocarditis in a pig due to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
...tted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. History noted the pig died suddenly without previous clinical signs. The pig was the only one affected of a group of swine breeding stock destined for research purposes. At necropsy, there was extensive erythema of the skin of the ears and back of the hind legs. A moderate amount of foam oozed out of the nostrils. Approximately 500 ml of clear, straw-colored fluid...
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Lead poisoning in guinea fowl
...nted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. History noted the bird was bright and alert, but moved very little, appeared cold and very thin – only weighing 514 grams. Upon evaluation, marked breast muscle atrophy was present. The bird appeared pale and the blood was thin and watery. The crop was severely dilated and impacted with seed (Figure 1). The gizzard contained dark brownish-black fluid and the koili...
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Nervous Coccidiosis diagnosed in a bull
...Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station for necropsy. The clinical history indicated that this animal had periodic seizures and bouts of ataxia for two days. The animal would appear to be normal between these neurologic episodes. The referring veterinarian indicated that the neurologic signs could be triggered by making the animal move. The animal died two days after first exhibiting neurologic signs. The primary les...
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Swine Influenza Virus: A focus on the respiratory syndrome
...tted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy and ancillary testing. The owner reported multiple deaths in animals of various ages over the past 3 to 4 weeks due to respiratory disease. According to the owner, the clinical signs started soon after Hurricane Harvey. Animals responded poorly to treatment with Nuflor, Draxxin, and Naxcel. Clinical signs included labored breathing and deep cough. The history did n...
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Bacillary hemoglobinuria in a cow
...tted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. History noted the owner had observed red discoloration of the urine shortly before death. The cow had not been vaccinated recently. At necropsy, the body was freshandin good nutritional condition.The anterior ventral areas of the lung were dark red (atelectasis). Portions of the lung placed in formalin floated. There were extensive areas of severe hemorrhage in th...
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Sticktight fleas, body lice discovered in 30-week-old laying chickens
...Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Gonzales for necropsy. Birds were weak, lethargic, and depressed. The flock had a history of severe production drop starting approximately four weeks following housing in the laying facility at 22 weeks of age. Clinical signs included coughing, droopiness, loss of vitality, shriveled combs, and weight loss. Approximately 500 birds were left out of the original placement of 1,000. The ho...
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Chlorinated hydrocarbon and arsenic poisoning in cattle
...&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station for necropsy. The animal was noted to be in good body condition. No gross lesions were observed during the necropsy. Rumen content and fresh liver were collected and submitted to the toxicology section for chemical analysis. A comprehensive metals profile was performed on the fresh liver using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A toxic amount of arsenic (77....
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Cytoxic necrotizing factor 1 gene (CNF1) detected in E. coli isolated from a kitten lung
...g By Cheryl Maguire, DVM A one-month-old, Ragdoll kitten was presented for necropsy at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station after passing away subsequent to hospitalization for respiratory illness. The kitten was part of a large commercial breeding operation where multiple kittens were experiencing similar clinical signs. The gross necropsy findings indicated that the cause of death was due to respirato...
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Ulcerative Enteritis discovered in bobwhite quail
...Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Gonzales for necropsy with a history of ongoing weight loss and an increase in mortality. One live bird died prior to examination. The remaining live birds were mildly depressed. Upon necropsy examination, birds ranged in weight from 100–190 grams. All birds had multifocal, white, ulcerated areas in the small intestine and/or cecum (Figure 1). Three of the dead birds had multifocal area...
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Gangrenous Dermatitis diagnosed in Bobwhite quail
...Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Gonzales for necropsy. The history provided noted increased mortality of about 15 birds per day, with no clinical symptoms. The birds were in flight pens with no vegetation. Additionally, all birds had varying degrees of feather loss around the tail head and the caudal aspect of the back. Upon necropsy examination, two of the seven birds had serosanguineous fluid present in the subcutan...
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Chronic lead exposure in flock of backyard chickens
...hered rooster in poor body condition weighing 2.08 pounds was received for necropsy evaluation. In addition, four eggs were submitted. Upon necropsy examination, a marked decrease in the size of the breast muscles with the keel being prominent was noted, evidence of emaciation. No other abnormalities were noted in any other tissue or organ system. The liver from the rooster and the four eggs were submitted for lead analysis at the College Station...
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Fowl Cholera in Chukar Partridges
...Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Gonzales for necropsy. History noted an increase in spontaneous deaths over a few days’ period with minimal or no clinical signs observed. Upon necropsy examination, the birds had enlarged, pale, orange-colored livers and enlarged, dark spleens. The lungs were severely congested and edematous and many had multifocal areas of hemorrhage. Feed was present in the crop and gizzard of most b...
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Meningeal Worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in a Sitatunga
...tted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. The clinical history indicated the animal was found in a bog area with suspected radial nerve paralysis of the right front leg. Clinically, pneumonia was a top differential due to the poor body condition of the animal. The animal was euthanized due to a poor prognosis based on the animal’s clinical condition. The primary lesions observed at necropsy were generaliz...
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Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in White-Tailed deer
...year-old white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) was presented for necropsy at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (TVMDL) College Station laboratory. Three other deer in the same pen had died recently. Clinical signs included heavy breathing, stumbling, grinding of the teeth, coughing, lethargy, and death. At necropsy, the WTD showed numerous skin abrasions with loss of hair, particularly over the ribs and bony promin...
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Contagious Ecthyma Diagnosed in a Young Goat
...logical signs and was also noted to have a crusty lesion on the lip. Gross necropsy confirmed there to be an exophytic, crusty mass on the commissure of the lip (Figure 1). Other necropsy lesions were minor and histopathology was pursued. The lip lesion was histologically consistent with contagious ecthyma, also known as orf or soremouth. This mass consisted of an area of proliferative chelitis with subcorneal vesicles and pustules. In a few areas...
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Histopathologic Diagnosis of Feline Herpesvirus
...radiographs apparently showed a pneumonia with an interstitial pattern. A necropsy was performed by the submitting veterinarian and a set of fresh and formalin-fixed tissues were sent to TVMDL for histopathology and fungal culture. The second case was a 2-week-old kitten from a humane society organization. This kitten was from a litter of six with a total of five deaths reported. Necropsy was performed by a referral laboratory and revealed an int...
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Infectious Coryza in Chickens
...Six 16-week-old male chickens from a flock of 500 birds were presented for necropsy at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Gonzales. History noted one-week of swollen sinuses with minimal abnormal respiratory sounds and negligible mortality. The incidence was relatively low. Upon necropsy examination, each of the six birds had one of the sinuses swollen while the other sinus appeared relatively normal (Figure 1). A th...
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Pathologic diagnosis of coccidiosis in goats
...in specimens from live animals. Characteristic lesions can also be seen at necropsy. This article will highlight a recent case of coccidiosis in a goat kid at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) which demonstrates typical features of caprine coccidiosis. TVMDL has seen many cases of coccidiosis in goats this spring. The goat in this case was a 2-month-old, female, Boer goat kid that was submitted for necropsy. This goat...
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Pentobarbital in a Turkey Vulture
...tted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. Postmortem decomposition hindered a thorough diagnostic necropsy. Portions of all major organs were collected, and liver was submitted to TVMDL’s drug testing laboratory for barbiturate testing. The liver weighed approximately 8 grams and was extracted using enzyme hydrolysis followed by solid phase extraction (SPE). Analytical testing for barbiturates was perform...
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Arsenic toxicosis in two calves
...imals reportedly died within a 24-hour period. Two 7-month-old calves were necropsied on site and were noted to have melting abdominal fat, hemorrhage inside the cardiac wall (endocardium) and bloody diarrhea. Multiple samples of fixed and fresh tissue were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station for testing. Histopathology revealed a marked and diffusely ulcerated and necrotizing abomasitis w...
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Fatal Haemonchosis in a Llama
...tted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. This llama had a history of parasitic resistance and severe anemia that required blood transfusion. Postmortem examination revealed a thin body condition, severe pallor of the ocular and oral mucus membranes, subcutaneous edema, tricavitary effusions, and pallor of the internal organs. The third gastric compartment (C3), which is equivalent to the abomasum in rumi...
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Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Toxicity in a mature brangus cow
...tted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. The animal was part of a herd that reported multiple losses in the previous weeks and days. The clinical signs exhibited by other animals was not reported by the owner or the submitting veterinarian; however, the submitted animal exhibited neurological deficits, including aggression. On necropsy, the carcass exhibited advanced autolytic changes and the skin had ex...
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Enterotoxemia in sheep and goats
...nation product than contains tetanus toxoid also. Should the animal die, a necropsy can be performed to look for evidence of disease. On necropsy examination, a large section of the small intestine can appear dark red to purple (Figure 1). This coincides histologically to necrosis and ulceration of the mucosal surface with diffuse hemorrhage (marked necrohemorrhagic enteritis). The intestinal contents are often bloody and full of fibrin clots and...
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Anatomic Pathology Section Overview
...Section Highlights Board-certified pathologists with specialties in: avian/poultry diagnostics equine diagnostics food animal diagnostics, and more. Each pathologist is available for consultation. Staff available after hours to assist with large animal necropsy submissions Overview of Histopathology Services Pathologic evaluation and consultation Necropsy examinations College Station Leadership Anatomic Pathology Section Head: Gabriel Gomez, DVM,...
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College Station lab welcomes González-Barrientos as new veterinary pathologist
...Cornell University. At Cornell, she served as a teaching assistant on the necropsy floor and performed histopathologic diagnosis on a great variety of animal species both on the biopsy and necropsies services. González-Barrientos brings experience and expertise in the areas of infectious diseases, public health, wildlife and aquatic species diseases, and conservation to TVMDL. Please join TVMDL in welcoming Dr. González-Barrientos to the laborato...
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Cristi Rocío González-Barrientos, DVM
...anded dolphins. González-Barrientos also helped establish the pathology laboratory at the Ministry of Livestock and Agriculture in 2010. In 2019, she began her anatomic pathology residency at Cornell University. At Cornell, she served as a teaching assistant on the necropsy floor and performed histopathologic diagnosis on a great variety of animal species both on the biopsy and necropsies services. González-Barrientos brings experience and experti...
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Endocarditis in a White-Tailed Deer Caused by Trueperella pyogenes
...A 1.5-year-old, captive, white-tailed deer buck was submitted to TVMDL for necropsy. The animal had a prolonged history of illness for at least 4 months that was not responsive to antibiotic treatment. Reported clinical signs included lethargy and rapid weight loss despite having an appetite. At necropsy, a severe endocarditis was discovered. Large amounts of suppurative material covered part of the right atrioventricular valve, coated large regio...
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Larson recognized as recipient of 2022 Director’s Excellence Award
...ss the agency. In recent years she has volunteered for TVMDL’s after-hours necropsy program. This role requires a staff member to be available outside of TVMDL’s business hours to assist clients with necropsy submissions. Larson also volunteered to assist with Chronic Wasting Disease testing during an unprecedented surge in submissions. “Malerie’s dedication to the mission of TVMDL is admirable,” Mays said. “I can think of no better way to recogni...
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Epidemiology of feline hemoparasites in Texas
...croscopic examination of peripheral blood smears, targeted PCR testing, or necropsy/histological examination. Using TVMDL testing data gathered since March 2019, this article provides a brief overview of available epidemiological data from Texas cats infected with Cytauxzoon felis or Mycoplasma haemofelis. Cytauxzoon felis Since March 2019, TVMDL has helped diagnose 9 cases of cytauxzoonosis in Texas cats. A breakdown of infected animal demographi...
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Histopathology – Postmortem 8 or Fewer Tissues
Histologic evaluation of postmortem tissues. The price listed ($70.00) is for up to 8 tissues; for more than 8 tissues, the price is $86.50.
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Histopathology – Postmortem 9 or More Tissues
Histologic evaluation of postmortem tissues.
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Forms
...specimens Submission Form Supplement Poultry Testing Submission Form Field Necropsy Report New to TVMDL or Existing Pre-Pay Accounts New Client Form (Must Be Completed) New Client Forms should be faxed to 979.458.3260. TVMDL Submission Form Specimen Import List (spreadsheet) – Use for large number of specimens Submission Form Supplement Poultry Testing Submission Form Please note: Samples submitted without an existing TVMDL account number or...
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College Station Laboratory
...red on weekdays after 4:30 PM will be accessioned the next business day. * Necropsy services are available Monday-Friday during regular business hours. Secure, climate controlled specimen lockers are accessible 24 hours/day at the College Station and Canyon locations. Large animals delivered after hours that require assistance will incur an additional $125 fee. Directions The TVMDL College Station lab at 483 Agronomy Road is located off University...
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Canyon Laboratory
...protect our client’s confidentiality, we are only able to share test results with the client on record (i.e., the clinic or person paying the bill). Hours of Operation Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday morning specimen drop-off, 8 a.m. – 12 noon* * Necropsy services are available Monday-Friday during regular business hours. Secure, climate controlled specimen lockers are accessible 24 hours/day at the College Station and Canyon locations....
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Gabriel Gomez, DVM, PhD, DACVP
...valuate complex cases. As the assistant agency director for pathology, Gomez will oversee the agency’s histopathology and necropsy sections....
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Case Study Library: Exotics and Pocket Pets
...tosporidium serpentis in snakes Fusarium sp. infection in a captive Python Necropsy of a Sulcata Tortoise (Geochelone sulcate) with Urinary Calculi Avoid the Madness of Rabies Submissions Toxoplasmosis in a Herd of Kangaroos Isolation of Nannizziopsis sp. from skin lesions of a veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) Meningeal Worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in a Sitatunga A Case of Coccidioidomycosis in a Llama (Lama glama) Fatal Haemonchosis...
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Case Study Library: Bovine
...During the Fall Livestock Show Season Neospora caninum Abortion in Cattle Necropsy of rare bovine conjoined twins Malignant Catarrhal Fever in a 1-year-old heifer Johne’s Disease: How are cattle affected? Testing Options for Anaplasma marginale in cattle Arsenic toxicosis in two calves Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Toxicity in a mature brangus cow Bovine thrombotic meningoncephalitis Anaplasmosis in cattle Diagnostic Guidance: Rumen Acidosis (Grain Over...
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Case Study Library: Avian
...Bobwhite Quail Harris’s Hawk Diagnosed with Fatal Herpesvirus Infection at Necropsy Salt Toxicity in Broilers Mycoplasmosis in Backyard Chicken Flocks Fowl Cholera in Chukar Partridges Gangrenous dermatitis discovered in separate broiler flocks Diagnostic Guidance: Fowl Pox Coccidiosis in Broiler Breeders “Hardware Disease” in Backyard Chickens Infectious Coryza in Chickens Histomoniasis (Blackhead) in Birds Rickets in Backyard Chickens Fatty Live...
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Blackleg (Clostridial myositis) in cattle
...eeply hidden bacterial spores. The affected animals presented to TVMDL for necropsy ranged in age from 4 months to up to 1 year of age. The gross lesions included variably sized areas of skeletal muscle that was dark red and contained gas bubbles (necrotizing myositis). Due to the intramuscular gas bubbles, affected sections of skeletal muscle would often float in formalin. Most of the affected animals had a concurrent fibrinous pericarditis and n...
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Cerebellar abiotrophy diagnosed in 7-year-old female cat
...diagnosed with liver failure and was euthanized and submitted to TVMDL for necropsy. Notable gross changes included icterus and a distended gall bladder full of mucus and inspissated, pasty green bile. The common bile duct was distended and tortuous. An approximately 3 mm diameter, hard black cholelith blocked the common bile duct at the major duodenal papilla. The liver had an accentuated lobular pattern. The cerebellum was well formed and approx...
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Know your pasture! Lantana poisoning in a group of steers
...olestasis: total bilirubin, 5.8 mg/dL; SGOT, 297 U/L; and GGT, 719 U/L. On necropsy, the nostrils were denuded and scabby and there was some thickening of the ears and skin over the flanks. The heart had dark yellow edema at its base and white spots throughout the endocardium and there was dark yellow fluid in the pericardial sac. Additionally, the urine was noted as being dark. There was renal edema, as well as edema throughout the musculature an...
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Necrotic enteritis in broilers
...with their legs straight out were submitted for laboratory examination. At necropsy, the mucosa of the jejunum and ileum had a “cloth towel” appearance with loose, small mucosal flakes. Moderate numbers of coccidia were detected by the wet mount technique. The diagnosis of necrotic enteritis was confirmed by histopathology, which revealed necrosis of the upper part of the intestinal mucosa associated with large numbers of both rod-shaped bacteria...
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Bovine Abortion Diagnostics find BVD
...the heifer that aborted. No diagnostically specific lesions were found on necropsy or histopathology. The Bovine Abortion Panel: Fetal Tissues was ordered on the fetal tissues. No pathogenic bacteria were isolated on culture. Vitamin A testing showed acceptable levels of vitamin A in the fetal liver. Neospora caninum, bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), and Leptospira spp. were not detected via PCR. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was detected...
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Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome: A focus on the respiratory syndrome
...nary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory to aid in the diagnosis of PRRS include Necropsy, Histopathology, PCR, virus isolation, and Serology. The recommended samples for PCR testing include oral fluid, semen, serum, EDTA whole unclotted blood, lung, or fetal tissue. For serology, an ELISA and IFA test are available and serum is the required sample. To learn more about this case, contact Dr. Gomez, Veterinary Pathologist, Dr. Ferro, Microbiology Branch...
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Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in broiler chickens
...of increased mortality, swollen kidneys, and whitish spots livers. At the necropsy examination livers were pale, mottled with a reticular pattern and with subcapsular hemorrhages; heart sacs had accumulation of a clear fluid in the pericardium; bursas of Fabricius were atrophied; kidneys were swollen and pale; and in pancreases there were pale pin-point spots. The histopathological examination of liver and pancreas sections revealed multifocal to...
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Multiple parasites discovered in west Texas cougar
...eterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for diagnostic testing. At necropsy, the carcass was thin with no visceral or subcutaneous fat. Other significant gross findings included two, approximately 2 cm diameter, firm, raised, crateriform nodules that partially occluded the pylorus. On cut surface, the nodules were cystic and filled with numerous, thin, approximately 1 cm long, reddish nematodes and necrotic debris. The small intestine cont...
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Cytauxzoon felis in a cat
...central Texas died shortly after arrival at a veterinary clinic. On gross necropsy, lesions were minimal; however, histologically every tissue examined demonstrated vascular occlusion with numerous intracytoplasmic schizonts within macrophages. The schizonts were approximately 40 microns in diameter and contained numerous 1-3 micron merozoites. This cat died from infection with Cytauxzoon felis. C. felis is a protozoal hemoparasite that leads to...
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Histomoniasis “Blackhead” in Bobwhite Quail
...e flock exhibited enteritis and had been dewormed the previous month. Upon necropsy examination, multifocal, pale and irregular in size foci were seen scattered over the surface of the liver. Both ceca were dilated with yellowish-tan caseous cores in the lumen and small raised nodules on the mucosa. Histologically, large numbers of protozoal organisms consistent with Histomonas meleagridis associated with inflammatory cells were seen in the submuc...
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Bovine Syndromic Diagnostic Plans
...n efficient diagnostic testing strategies based on clinical signs or gross necropsy findings. The client still has the ability to select the tests within the diagnostic plans that fit with the diagnostic goals and pre-test clinical suspicion of each case. Simply select the syndrome most appropriate for the case and then indicate which tests are desired on the submission form. Click below to view each plan: Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Diagnost...
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Lymphoid leukosis discovered in Legbar chicken
...Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Gonzales for necropsy. The bird had excellent feathering, was in good post-mortem condition, and weighed 1.06 kilograms. Upon gross examination, mild breast muscle atrophy was present.The liver was enlarged approximately five times normal size and contained small white coalescing foci interpreted as neoplastic cells (Figure 1). The spleen was of normal size, but contained similar white...
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Pulmonary Toxoplasmosis Diagnosed in a Young Cat
...tress and died within 24 hours of treatment. A pneumonia was identified at necropsy and formalin-fixed samples of lung were sent to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for histopathology. Examination of the slides revealed a severe, necrotizing, interstitial pneumonia with numerous intralesional protozoal tissue cysts consistent with Toxoplasma gondii (Figure 1). Cats are the only recognized definitive host for toxoplasm...
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Cattle Nutritional Decline in the Winter
...the Winter By Guy Sheppard, DVM In early December, livestock submitted for necropsy at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station demonstrated various signs of declining nutrition. Not coincidentally, most of Texas received the first frosts and freezes of the year within this same time period. Despite the fact that generous rains in Texas produced an abundance of forage for grazing, the nutritional value of t...
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Salmonellosis in Racing Pigeons
...on, greenish feces, and sudden death following onset of clinical signs. At necropsy examination, two birds had enlarged and mottled livers with multifocal, pin-point, whitish foci, one bird had two large, whitish foci in the left lung. The microscopic examination of liver sections revealed congestion, multifocal areas of necrosis associated with large numbers of rod-shaped bacteria and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrations, and lymphocytic infiltr...
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Aspergillosis diagnosed in 5-month-old chicken
...Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Gonzales for necropsy. Duration of illness was approximately one week. This bird was the only one that had died out of a flock of four. Upon examination, the bird weighed 692 grams and had moderate breast muscle atrophy. Numerous 1-3 mm, round, cream-colored nodules were present in the anterior and posterior air sacs and were scattered throughout the parenchyma of both lungs (Figure 1)....
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Coffee Senna Poisoning in Cattle
...s were affected. History noted that both calves appeared normal upon gross necropsy. Some whole plant leaves that resembled coffee senna were observed in the rumen of one calf. Microscopic examination of the rumen content was performed by the toxicology section at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station. Coffee senna seed pod fragments and leaf material was observed in the rumen content from both calves. N...
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Salt Toxicity in Broilers
...er. Clinical history noted increased mortality starting at 2-weeks-old. At necropsy examination, all the birds had an edematous brain with poorly defined cerebellar folia and cerebrum lobes, thin blood, and darkened livers; one bird had moderate accumulation of a clear, gelatinous material in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal area. Histologically, there were areas of vacuolation in the cerebellar white matter and cerebrum (see Fig. 1). Toxi...
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Gangrenous dermatitis discovered in separate broiler flocks
...dden increased mortality, prostration, and change in color of the skin. At necropsy examination, the birds had purple discoloration of the skin in the abdomen, extending into the breast muscles and sternum area, several skin scratches at both sides of the pelvis, and a bloody, gelatinous material accumulated in the subcutaneous tissue. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the subcutaneous tissue in all three submissions. GD is normally a diseas...
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Diagnosing Feline Heartworms
...tworm disease, it is very difficult to make a definitive diagnosis without necropsy. Positive results using multiple diagnostic methods are therefore required to provide strong support for a diagnosis of feline heartworm disease. Given this diagnostic challenge, the prevalence of heartworm infection in cats is likely underreported1, and thus provides a solid argument for the use of heartworm preventatives in cats. For more information about heartw...
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Coccidiosis in Broiler Breeders
...were submitted with a clinical history of sudden increase in mortality. At necropsy, the birds had moderately dilated and flaccid jejunum and ileum, with their mucosae mostly sloughed and exhibiting either tan-greenish or reddish discolorations. Large numbers of coccidia were detected by the wet mount technique on several affected intestinal segments. The histopathological examination of jejunum and ileum sections revealed severe necrotizing enter...
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Bovine Abortion Caused by Leptospira spp.
...ond of two full term fetuses that had been born dead in the same herd. The necropsy findings in this animal were few and primarily consisted of a small amount of blood-tinged pleural fluid. There was evidence of scavenging as the abomasum was partially absent and no abomasal contents were available for culture. The spleen, lung, heart, liver, kidney, and small intestine were submitted fixed in formalin and sections of liver, kidney, abomasum, and...
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Rabies in a Sheep
...atode Parelaphostrongylus tenuis with involvement of the nervous system. A necropsy was performed and fresh and fixed tissues consisting of brain, heart, liver, lung, spleen and kidney were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for testing. A sample of fresh cerebrospinal fluid was included with the submission. Examination of tissue sections from the submitted fixed tissues showed no significant changes in the...
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Small Animal Syndromic Diagnostic Plans
...n efficient diagnostic testing strategies based on clinical signs or gross necropsy findings. The client still has the ability to select the tests within the diagnostic plans that fit with the diagnostic goals and pre-test clinical suspicion of each case. Simply select the syndrome most appropriate for the case to review the testing recommendations and sampling requirements. Submit the appropriate samples and indicate which tests are desired by wr...
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Rickets in backyard chickens
...e bird was depressed and showing respiratory distress. The findings at the necropsy examination included moderate emaciation, fragile bones with increased width of the bone growing plate, and S-shaped deformed sternum (Figure 1). The histopathological examination of bone sections revealed that the growing plate was wider and disorganized, with persistent zones of prehypertrophy and hypertrophy with invasion of blood vessels (Figure 2). Misshapen s...
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Suspected Anticoagulant Bait Confirmed to be Bromethalin
...to have petechial hemorrhaging and yellow fluid in the abdomen during the necropsy. Three days later, a tuna can with what appeared to be a suspect bright green bait material was found in the area where the kitten was rescued. The tuna can with the suspected bait material was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for anticoagulant rodenticide testing. The anticoagulant rodenticide screen was negative, but tox...
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Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) infection in meat type chickens
...a clinical history of respiratory problems and increased mortality. At the necropsy examination, the birds had tracheas with reddened mucosa and excess mucus in the lumens, opaque and thickened pericardia, thickened thoracic air sacs with large accumulations of yellowish caseous exudate, and bloody/gelatinous material accumulated over the keel bone. PCR testing yielded positive results for MS. MS infection is a bacterial disease, which can affect...
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Viral arthritis in broiler chickens
...laboratory with a clinical history of leg problems and swollen tendons. At necropsy examination the birds exhibited outwardly deviated legs, moderately swollen hocks with an accumulation of a tannish, turbid exudate, and swollen gastrocnemius tendons. Serology for reovirus was positive in all the birds by the ELISA test. The histopathological examination revealed tenosynovitis and epicarditis with lymphoid aggregate formation, lesions consistently...
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TVMDL group authors article for Texas Equine Veterinary Association
..., MS, DACVP, Clinical Pathology Section Head Erin Edwards, DVM, MS, DACVP, Necropsy Assistant Section Head Pam Ferro, PhD, Molecular Diagnostics Section Head Sonia Lingsweiler, Bacteriology Assistant Section Head Melanie Landis, DVM, MBA, Microbiology Veterinary Diagnostician Cat Barr, PhD, ABT, Veterinary Toxicologist Travis Mays, MS, PhD, Analytical Chemistry Section Head Carlos Rodriguez, Serology Assistant Section Head Narayan Paul, DVM, MS, P...
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Diagnostics of a disaster: Insect-borne disease concerns during floods
...so offers a molecular assay (rtPCR) for the detection of WNV. In addition, necropsy and histopathology can assist in the diagnosis of neurologic disease. Heartworm Disease Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic filarial worm Dirofilaria immitis. This parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes. Dogs are primarily infected but this disease is also seen to a lesser extent in cats. As a result of extensive rainfall, there is an uptick in mosquito popul...
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Cryptosporidium in a Gerenuk
...ic, eventually going into cardiopulmonary arrest. CPR was unsuccessful. At necropsy, the referring veterinarian found the rumen contents drier than normal. Vessels over the jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon appeared congested. Subjectively, the mesenteric lymph nodes appeared enlarged, but the vet was unsure if this was appropriate for age versus reactive suggesting inflammation or infection. A variety of tests was ordered to determine the cause of...
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Gomez contributes to literature over systemic toxoplasmosis in equine
...an acute onset of colic, fever, soft faeces and elevated liver enzymes. At necropsy, there were gastric mucosal masses and evidence of caecal necrosis. Histologically, the masses were lymph nodes with granulomatous inflammation and areas of liquefactive necrosis. Within and surrounding necrotic areas were free and intrahistiocytic clusters of protozoal tachyzoites. Similar but milder inflammation was evident in the spleen, lungs and liver. Necroti...
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TVMDL recognizes 2020 Director’s Excellence Award recipients
...n Dr. Megan Schroeder, Molecular Diagnostics Assistant Section Head-College Station Technical Category Gayla Lovell, Virology Technician III-Canyon Michael Trapp, Lead Necropsy Technician-College Station Student Category Elianna Cubero, Receiving Student Worker-College Station...
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Harrell recognized as 2020 Director’s Excellence Award recipient
...For example, Harrell completed a voluntary grief training to better assist necropsy clients. Although this was not part of his position, Harrell sought out the opportunity knowing it would benefit his section and TVMDL’s clients. Most recently, Harrell was promoted to laboratory supervisor for the specimen receiving section. Since assuming this role, Harrell has already implemented several positive changes to enhance workflow and efficiency and st...
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Fatal Heartworm Disease and Caval Syndrome in a Ferret
...ion. The ferret was diagnosed with heartworm disease and caval syndrome at necropsy. Three adult heartworms were found in the heart, filling the pulmonary artery, right atrium, and right ventricle (Figure 1). One heartworm extended into the caudal vena cava to the level of the diaphragm. The heart was mildly enlarged and dilated. The thoracic cavity contained a large amount of fluid (pleural effusion), and the lungs were secondarily atelectatic an...
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Polytetrafluoroethylene Toxicosis (TeflonTM Toxicity)
...l history with birds found acutely dead or in severe respiratory distress. Necropsy examination shows severe lung edema and hemorrhage (Figure 1). Differential diagnoses for this disease include other respiratory tract irritants including aerosol sprays, smoke, carbon monoxide, natural gas, ammonia, and burned foods and cooking oils. Figure 1 – Severe diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage and edema in a cockatiel exposed to fumes from overheated polytetraf...
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TVMDL’s diagnostic plans: Adding efficiency to diagnostic testing
...ers 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 select the tests within each plan that best fit their diagnostic goals and pre-test clinical suspicions. Plans are separated by specifies and can be viewed on the diagnostic plans page of the TVMDL website. For more information about TVMDL’s diagnostic plans, call one of t...
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Osteogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta in a calf
...ent into the TVMDL for evaluation of the hind limbs and mandible. On gross necropsy examination the mandible contained incisor teeth that were erupted but were all pink, translucent, mobile, and when transected contained pink gelatinous material (Figure 1). Both hind legs contained tibial fractures. The right was acute and oblique with marked surrounding hemorrhage and edema. The left was chronic with mild callus formation. Cortices of the leg bon...
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TVMDL promotes three professionals to leadership roles
...director for pathology, Gomez will oversee the agency’s histopathology and necropsy sections. Dimitrov joined TVMDL’s Canyon laboratory in 2019 as the virology and molecular diagnostics section head. The following year, he moved to the College Station lab to begin his role as the virology section head. Prior to TVMDL, Dimitrov served as a visiting scholar at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Athens,...
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Detection of Neospora caninum DNA in a mummified bovine fetus
...tted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy and gross examination. Upon examination, the entire fetus and placenta exhibited severe mummification. Tissues of this fetus were submitted to the molecular section for bovine herpesvirus (BHV)-1, BVDV, Leptospira spp. and Neospora caninum rtPCRs. Neospora caninum DNA was detected in the brain of the fetus at a Ct of 33.60 indicating a moderate amount of N. caninum...
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Gomez selected as 2021 recipient of Director’s Excellence Award in professional category
...for pathology, Gomez oversees the agency’s histopathology, pathology, and necropsy efforts. Though he is tasked with several administrative duties, Gomez takes a hands-on approach to leadership within his sections. This was especially evident last summer when the College Station laboratory experienced a significant surge in testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). In light of a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) mandate, TVMDL received...
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Possible chocolate poisoning in a dog
...beneath a squirrel feeder and corn was observed in the stomach during the necropsy. There was also evidence the dog may have consumed some brownies the night before. Concerns were expressed about possible aflatoxicosis from the corn. Histopathology and a drug screen for unknowns were requested. Histopathologic examination of the tissues did not reveal a specific cause of death, nor evidence of toxicity, including aflatoxicosis. Hepatic changes in...
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Spironucleosis (Hexamitiasis) in Quail
...evious few days. Four dead 5.5-month-old Coturnix quail were presented for necropsy at TVMDL’s Gonzales laboratory. The quail were euthanized on the farm prior to submission. Birds weighed from 214 to 234 grams. No external abnormalities were noted. All birds had distention of the duodenum and upper jejunum (Figure 1). Contents of the dilated portion of intestine contained copious amounts of mucus (Figure 2). Intestinal scrapings of this area reve...
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Five employees honored with Director’s Excellence Awards
...or | College Station Professional Dr. Guy Sheppard, Veterinary Diagnostician | College Station Technical Malerie Larson, Toxicology Technician | College Station Student Sydney Buckner, Necropsy Student Assistant | Canyon Learn more about TVMDL by visiting tvmdl.tamu.edu or calling one of the agency’s four laboratory locations....
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Ficken recognized as 2022-2023 Regents Fellow Service Award recipient
...College Station laboratory. For two years, he assisted the laboratory with necropsy and pathology services for a wide range of animals, however he quickly became a trusted subject matter expert for avian species. In 2011, Dr. Ficken assumed the role of interim resident director for TVMDL’s Sam and Sally Glass Poultry Diagnostic Laboratory in Gonzales. In 2012, his role was made official, and he began his tenure as the lab’s resident director. Fick...
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Basisphenoid and basioccipital bone fractures in a horse
...atic injury to the brain and spinal cord, humane euthanasia was elected. A necropsy exam was performed at TVMDL that revealed multiple skull fractures along the region of the basisphenoid and basioccipital bones with surrounding soft tissue edema and hemorrhage. There was edema and hemorrhage with large blood clots surrounding the ventral aspect of the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord. Figure 1. Longitudinal section of a horse head. Yellow s...
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The threat of canine herpesvirus to pregnant bitches and neonate puppies
...well as on tissues from aborted fetuses or deceased puppies. Importantly, necropsy and histopathological evaluation can provide valuable insights. Preventive measures for CHV require an interdisciplinary effort. With no vaccine currently available for CHV in the United States, it is critical to mitigate viral transmission by protecting pregnant bitches and vulnerable puppies. Identifying positive dams and prospectively optimizing environmental co...
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Gross Tissue Examination
Macroscopic evaluation of fresh or fixed specimens for lesions by a pathologist prior to histopathology processing.
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Equine Coronavirus (rtPCR) [Referral]
Detection of equine enteric coronavirus by PCR.
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Sodium Ion Toxicosis in Cattle
...a second time and became laterally recumbent. This animal was euthanized, necropsied, and samples were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station for testing. The water source for the section of land where the cows died came from two different wells. The owner noticed a loose, white mineral near one of the wells and indicated the water from the well tasted salty. Histopathology was performed on...
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A case of Coccidioidomycosis in a Llama (Lama glama)
...personal protective equipment should be worn by personnel while performing necropsies. This is due to camelid’s vulnerability to coccidioidomycosis. To learn more about this case, contact Dr. Owais Khan, Dr. Will Sims, or Dr. Gayman Helman at TVMDL’s Amarillo laboratory. For more information about TVMDL’s test offerings, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call TVMDL’s Amarillo laboratory at 1.888.646.5624 or College Station laboratory at 1.888.646.5623. Figu...
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Histopathology Section Overview
...on members process biopsies, perform immunohistochemical staining, perform necropsies, and evaluate glass slides to ensure clients receive a comprehensive diagnosis. Histopathology Section Highlights Section members are skilled in numerous staining techniques Ability to perform precise, manual processing techniques Overview of Histopathology Services Biopsies Immunohistochemical staining Abnormal Prion Protein e.g. Chronic Wasting Disease College...
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Cryptosporidiosis in cattle
...PhD, DACVP A seven-day-old angus bull calf with a history of diarrhea was necropsied by the submitting veterinarian. The small intestine, liver, kidney and the lymph node were submitted as fresh and formalin-fixed tissues to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for further testing. The tests requested by the submitting veterinarian included microscopic evaluation (histopathology), bacterial culture and sensitivity, and p...