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 … [Read more...] about Too much (or too little) of a good thing: thyroid disease testing at TVMDL
DX Guidance
Exercise caution prior to exhibition: Copper toxicity in show animals
Exercise caution prior to exhibition: Copper toxicity in show animals Guy Sheppard, DVM As youth prepare livestock projects for exhibition at stock shows across the state, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of copper toxicity, … [Read more...] about Exercise caution prior to exhibition: Copper toxicity in show animals
Chronic Wasting Disease testing: TVMDL’s role in protecting Texas wildlife
As the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) tests hundreds of thousands of samples annually. However, on the brink of each year’s deer hunting season, test numbers begin to spike … [Read more...] about Chronic Wasting Disease testing: TVMDL’s role in protecting Texas wildlife
Collecting hair for livestock drug testing
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 … [Read more...] about Collecting hair for livestock drug testing
West Nile virus guidance for equine practitioners
Late summer is when the West Nile virus (WNV) poses the greatest threat to the health of horses in the United States. It’s important for veterinarians to educate horse owners concerning the prevention, detection and accurate diagnose of WNV. Yearly, … [Read more...] about West Nile virus guidance for equine practitioners
March 20-26: National Animal Poison Prevention Week
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
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