Most known information on Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, or pigeon fever, does not reflect current disease trends. In recent years, the disease that was once considered endemic in California and dry, arid climates in the west has spread as far north as Washington state and has been reported in such eastern states as Kentucky and Florida. Cases…
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 Laboratory (TVMDL), all CBCs include manual blood smear examination by a highly skilled clinical pathology technician, a clinical pathologist,…
Step 1 Choose the proper size shipping box and styrofoam cooler for the amount and size of samples being sent. Step 2 Place a cool pack in the bottom of the styrofoam cooler to keep the sample(s) properly preserved. Step 3 Place the sample in the whirl-pak. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Fold…
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 TVMDL which are hemolyzed and/or lipemic may not be acceptable for testing. Accurate results start with an ideal sample. Ideal Sample Clear…
There are four steps to safely packaging a sample to send to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). Adhering to these four steps will ensure your sample arrives at TVMDL safely. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
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 in cases that do not respond to normal therapy, pustular, or ulcerative disease, and suspected neoplasia. Before Taking a Skin Biopsy Prior treatment should also be…
“Lympho” and “Cheesy gland” are common names used by livestock owners and veterinarians for caseous lymphadenitis (CL), a bacterial disease that affects small ruminants such as sheep and goats. A worldwide problem, CL is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and once endemic on a farm is difficult to eradicate. Primarily a disease of economic importance in…
Testing for trichomoniasis is performed daily at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). If submitted properly, a sample can be accurately and efficiently tested, and results reported to the submitting veterinarian in a timely manner. All samples must be incubated 48 hrs (36-38°C) prior to rtPCR testing; please plan accordingly. Clearly indicate on…
When routine diagnostic tests do not fully explain abnormalities in a patient’s bloodwork, a bone marrow evaluation can provide important additional information. At the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, an evaluation of bone marrow aspirates and core biopsy helps veterinarians investigate complex hematologic conditions, helping guide accurate diagnosis and informed treatment decisions for their patients. When bone marrow evaluations may be recommended Bone…
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that is caused by the spirochete genus Leptospira. Leptospira species are spread through urine of infected animals, and exposure typically manifests as a chronic renal infection if left untreated. Leptospirosis can affect a wide range of animals, as most mammals are susceptible to infection. Often signs and symptoms of…