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DX Guidance

Too much (or too little) of a good thing: thyroid disease testing at TVMDL

March 22, 2023 by Mallory Pfeifer

A severely overweight Welsh Corgi mixed breed dog with floppy ears standing outdoors

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: canine, cats, clinical pathology, dogs, endocrinology, equine, feline, horses, thyroid

Exercise caution prior to exhibition: Copper toxicity in show animals

February 10, 2023 by Mallory Pfeifer

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: analytical chemistry, caprine, copper, goat, heavy metal, livestock, livestock shows, ovine, sheep, toxicity

Chronic Wasting Disease testing: TVMDL’s role in protecting Texas wildlife

November 7, 2022 by Mallory Pfeifer

A whitetail buck stands at alert in an open meadow on a foggy morning in Tennessee

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: cervid, CWD, deer, wildlife

Collecting hair for livestock drug testing

September 13, 2022 by Mallory Pfeifer

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: analytical chemistry, college station, drug testing, livestock

West Nile virus guidance for equine practitioners

July 14, 2022 by Mallory Pfeifer

Four brown horses with black manes eating green grass

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: equine, horse, Virology, virus, West Nile

March 20-26: National Animal Poison Prevention Week

March 21, 2022 by Mallory Pfeifer

Little white maltese dog and food ingredients toxic to him

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: analytical chemistry, poison prevention, toxic, toxicology

Diagnostic guidance: Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever

February 28, 2022 by Mallory Pfeifer

tick on tweezers held up in front of a brown and white chihuahua

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: clinical pathology, molecular diagnostic, parasites, spring, tick

How to properly prepare a blood smear

February 21, 2022 by Mallory Pfeifer

Eight glass slides with blood smears used as examples

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: blood, clinical pathology, glass slide, smear

Diagnostic guidance: Calf diarrhea

February 7, 2022 by Mallory Pfeifer

Black calf in green pasture with one ear sticking up

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: bovine, calf, cattle, cow, diarrhea

Diagnostic Guidance: Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Complex

January 31, 2022 by Mallory Pfeifer

Cow standing in a pasture on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: bovine, cattle, livestock

Pet owners should be vigilant of potentially toxic sources during the holidays

December 20, 2021 by Mallory Pfeifer

Cat and Dog eating and drinking Santa's cookies and milk.

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: analytical chemistry, holidays, pet, toxicology

Best practices for submitting samples for brucellosis testing

November 22, 2021 by Mallory Pfeifer

Feedlot Cows in the Muck and Mud

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: brucellosis, cattle, pseudorabies, submissions, swine

How to create a comprehensive serology testing plan

July 23, 2021 by Mallory Pfeifer

woman closely inspecting a testing plate with numerous blue wells on it

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: serology, testing, TVMDL

Bone biopsy best practices

April 26, 2021 by Mallory Pfeifer

dog on veterinary exam table with vet and owner in background looking at x ray

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News

Diagnostic Guidance: Skin Biopsy Best Practices

March 8, 2021 by Mallory Pfeifer

Hands in blue gloves prepare tissues under light

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: biopsy, dermatology, histopathology, pathology, TVMDL

Review the range: Cattle and horse owners encouraged to be aware of potentially toxic plants

February 2, 2021 by Mallory Pfeifer

Small purpose flower on a green steam in front of green grass.

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: analytical chemistry, bovine, cattle, cow, equine, horse, toxic plants, toxicology, toxicosis

Submitting samples for equine uterine cultures at TVMDL

January 5, 2021 by Mallory Pfeifer

Photo of a large brown horse standing next to a young foal in an open field at sunset

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News

Don’t let your pet pick their poison: Stay vigilant of potentially toxic sources this New Year’s Eve

December 29, 2020 by Mallory Pfeifer

White dog with blue confetti streamers standing in front of a white background

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: analytical chemistry, canine, college station, feline, holiday, pet, toxicity, toxicosis, TVMDL

Diagnostic Guidance: Rumen Acidosis (Grain Overload)

November 30, 2020 by Mallory Pfeifer

Farmer Feeding His Baby Cows from a Blue Bucket

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)

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: bovine, cattle, college station, grain, nutrition, TVMDL

How to properly pack samples for CWD ELISA testing

November 17, 2020 by Mallory Pfeifer

A whitetail buck stands at alert in an open meadow on a foggy morning in Tennessee

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News

Anaplasmosis in cattle

October 19, 2020 by Mallory Pfeifer

Small herd of red free-range cattle on a rural farm

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

Filed Under: Case Study, DX Guidance Tagged With: bovine, cattle, college station, parasite, parasitology, TVMDL

Diagnostics of a disaster: Skin and foot concerns during floods

July 23, 2020 by Mallory Pfeifer

Gray horse hoofs in mud in paddock after the rain

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: college station, dermatology, disaster, disease, flood, foot, skin, TVMDL, water

Diagnostics of a disaster: Insect-borne disease concerns during floods

July 23, 2020 by Mallory Pfeifer

Anopheles sp. is a species of mosquito in the order Diptera, Anopheles sp. in the water for education.

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: college station, disaster, disease, flood, insect, TVMDL, water

Diagnostics of a disaster: Animal disease concerns during floods

July 23, 2020 by Mallory Pfeifer

landscape with cows of different sizes and colors in a large mud field

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: college station, disaster, disease, flood, TVMDL, water

In-Pouch vs PBS for Trichomonas testing in bulls

June 8, 2020 by Mallory Pfeifer

Hereford bull standing in brown grass

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

Filed Under: DX Guidance, News Tagged With: Amarillo, bovine, bulls, cattle, college station, trich, trichomonas, trichomoniasis, TVMDL, veterinary diagnostician, veterinary diagnostics

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Latest News

  • Too much (or too little) of a good thing: thyroid disease testing at TVMDL March 22, 2023
  • TVMDL adds three heavy metal panels to test catalog March 22, 2023
  • Arnold contributes to evaluation of Salmonella prevalence in feeder cattle March 16, 2023
  • Cytauxzoon felis: An Overview March 16, 2023
  • Martins joins College Station laboratory as Virology Section Head March 2, 2023
  • Neurologic Disease due to Bovine Herpesvirus-5 (BHV-5) Infection in a 3-week-old Charolais mix calf February 27, 2023

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