Each year, National Animal Poison Prevention Week is observed the third week of March. This week is used to demonstrate safety practices and mitigation strategies to prevent pets from accidentally being exposed to potentially toxic sources. Although … [Read more...] about March 20-26: National Animal Poison Prevention Week
DX Guidance
Diagnostic guidance: Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever
Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) is caused by several species of bacteria in the genus Borrelia. Similarly to Lyme disease, which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, these bacteria are spread by ticks and cause non-specific clinical signs. In … [Read more...] about Diagnostic guidance: Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever
How to properly prepare a blood smear
Although there have been substantial advances in benchtop hematology instrumentation for veterinary species, manual evaluation of a blood smear remains a vital part of a complete blood count (CBC). At the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic … [Read more...] about How to properly prepare a blood smear
Diagnostic guidance: Calf diarrhea
This post is from the TVMDL Calf Diarrhea producer handout. Diarrhea is the most prevalent illness in calves during the first 28 days of life. Although diarrheas are discussed as being caused by a single disease entity, most cases of diarrhea are … [Read more...] about Diagnostic guidance: Calf diarrhea
Diagnostic Guidance: Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Complex
This post is from the BRD Complex producer handout. Bovine Respiratory Disease, commonly called “Shipping Fever”, is said to be the most costly disease affecting stocker and feedlot cattle. It is estimated that over $3 billion is spent annually on … [Read more...] about Diagnostic Guidance: Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Complex
Pet owners should be vigilant of potentially toxic sources during the holidays
Each year the holidays bring together family, friends, and food. Spending time with others is a special part of the season. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) encourages pet owners to remain vigilant during … [Read more...] about Pet owners should be vigilant of potentially toxic sources during the holidays
Best practices for submitting samples for brucellosis testing
Each year, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) performs thousands of tests for brucellosis. To ensure samples are accessioned and tested quickly and accurately, TVMDL recommends the following best … [Read more...] about Best practices for submitting samples for brucellosis testing
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
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
Diagnostic Guidance: Skin Biopsy Best Practices
Diagnostic Guidance: Skin Biopsy Best Practices Will Sims, DVM, MS Dermatology cases are one of the most common types of cases seen by general practitioners. A crucial diagnostic tool in these cases is the skin biopsy. They are indicated … [Read more...] about Diagnostic Guidance: Skin Biopsy Best Practices
Review the range: Cattle and horse owners encouraged to be aware of potentially toxic plants
Spring is getting closer and summer is not far behind. As the seasons change, it’s important to be aware of the different plants that have grown or been added to your surroundings and their potential toxic effects on cattle and horses. What are … [Read more...] about Review the range: Cattle and horse owners encouraged to be aware of potentially toxic plants
Submitting samples for equine uterine cultures at TVMDL
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) offers a variety of diagnostic tests that may be used as part of the breeding soundness examination of a mare. In addition to bacterial culture, TVMDL also offers a uterine biopsy and … [Read more...] about Submitting samples for equine uterine cultures at TVMDL
Don’t let your pet pick their poison: Stay vigilant of potentially toxic sources this New Year’s Eve
Although holiday celebrations are coming to a close, it is important pet owners continue to stay vigilant about potentially toxic sources. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) encourages pet owners to take steps to … [Read more...] about Don’t let your pet pick their poison: Stay vigilant of potentially toxic sources this New Year’s Eve
Diagnostic Guidance: Rumen Acidosis (Grain Overload)
Diagnostic Guidance: Rumen Acidosis (Grain Overload) Guy Sheppard, DVM Grain is certainly an important feedstuff for livestock, but it can also be deadly if not fed correctly. Grains are rich in carbohydrates and provide energy for the animals … [Read more...] about Diagnostic Guidance: Rumen Acidosis (Grain Overload)
How to properly pack samples for CWD ELISA testing
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is progressive neurological disease that affects several cervid species. The CWD susceptible species are white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, red deer, reindeer, sika, and moose. Since it was first … [Read more...] about How to properly pack samples for CWD ELISA testing
Anaplasmosis in cattle
Anaplasmosis in cattle Guy Sheppard, DVM Anaplasmosis is a blood cell parasite of cattle with a worldwide distribution, but the disease is most common in tropical and subtropical areas. Anaplasma marginale is the most common organism involved in … [Read more...] about Anaplasmosis in cattle
Diagnostics of a disaster: Skin and foot concerns during floods
Many Texans rely upon the weather for a variety of reasons. From crops to cattle, Texans are often at the mercy of Mother Nature. Although droughts can have a dire impact on animal health, floods can contribute to widespread issues among animal … [Read more...] about Diagnostics of a disaster: Skin and foot concerns during floods
Diagnostics of a disaster: Insect-borne disease concerns during floods
Many Texans rely upon the weather for a variety of reasons. From crops to cattle, Texans are often at the mercy of Mother Nature. Although droughts can have a dire impact on animal health, floods can contribute to widespread issues among animal … [Read more...] about Diagnostics of a disaster: Insect-borne disease concerns during floods
Diagnostics of a disaster: Animal disease concerns during floods
Many Texans rely upon the weather for a variety of reasons. From crops to cattle, Texans are often at the mercy of Mother Nature. Although droughts can have a dire impact on animal health, floods can contribute to widespread issues among animal … [Read more...] about Diagnostics of a disaster: Animal disease concerns during floods
In-Pouch vs PBS for Trichomonas testing in bulls
In-Pouch vs PBS for trichomonas testing in bulls Guy Sheppard, DVM Over two years ago, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) approved the direct smegma sample submitted in PBS solution as an acceptable testing method for Trichomoniasis … [Read more...] about In-Pouch vs PBS for Trichomonas testing in bulls
How to get the most out of your TVMDL consultation
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) has several professionals employed who are available for consultation on a variety of subjects. To get the most from a consultation, it is helpful to have the following information … [Read more...] about How to get the most out of your TVMDL consultation
The Basics of Heartworm Disease Testing
Summer is growing closer and as the weather begins to warm up, mosquitos will become more active. Along with a myriad of other diseases and issues, mosquitos are the causative agent behind one of the issues some pet owners fear most, heartworm … [Read more...] about The Basics of Heartworm Disease Testing
How to assemble a necropsy field kit
Diagnosing animal diseases frequently requires a veterinarian or a technician to collect specimens in the field. This can be difficult without having the right tools on hand. For these occasions, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic … [Read more...] about How to assemble a necropsy field kit
Serum Sample Guidelines
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) performs numerous tests using serum. Proper collection, preparation, and packaging for transportation is imperative to obtaining a quality serum sample. Serum samples that arrive at … [Read more...] about Serum Sample Guidelines
Diagnostic guidance: Cantharidin poisoning in horses
When horses ingest the cantharidin toxin through hay or alfalfa contaminated with “blister” beetles, the outcome is often fatal. Toxicosis occurs rapidly; as little as four grams of dried beetles may contain fatal levels of … [Read more...] about Diagnostic guidance: Cantharidin poisoning in horses
