News

The Texas A&M Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s, TVMDL, small yet impactful Research and Development team is making large strides in advancing animal health. Since the section was established in 2021, it has developed 10 new PCR tests, providing veterinarians with clearer and more efficient answers. The team consists of scientists Ellen Ruth Alexander Morris, Ph.D. and […]

Mastitis is a leading cause of reduced milk production in dairy herds, making it a costly health issue within the industry. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, can assist dairy owners in testing for mastitis that can help lead treatment and prevention.  Recognizing and addressing mastitis at early stages can mean the difference […]

Digital pathology has enhanced the field of veterinary medicine. Specifically in diagnostic settings, digital components have increased accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility for both clients and diagnosticians. Julie Piccione, DVM, MS, DACVP, assistant agency director for clinical pathology at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, was recently invited by Veterinary Pathology, a leading publication […]

As hurricane season ramps up in Texas, so do threats to livestock health. Beyond downed fences and flooded pastures, contaminated water can quietly set the stage for dangerous skin infections in cattle, horses, sheep and goats. June marks the start of hurricane season, and each year the southern United States experiences increasingly intense and frequent […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, regularly performs testing to detect and mitigate the effects of pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection commonly found in canines. Clinical signs of pyoderma include redness, pustules, crusting, hair loss and itchiness around affected regions.  The disease is classified into three categories based on the depth of infection: […]

On May 7, Erika Schwarz, DVM, MPH, PhD, DACVM joined the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station. She will serve as TVMDL’s assistant agency director for microbiology. Schwarz is a four-time graduate of the University of Florida. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011 and simultaneously earned a Master of Public […]

Canine parvovirus, also known as CPV or “parvo,” is a highly contagious disease infecting puppies and occasionally adult dogs. The disease can cause severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. The absence or delay of treatment can increase the risk of critical health complications including the possibility of death. Diagnostic testing plays a key role […]

April is National Heartworm Awareness month. Spring is also the time of year when mosquitoes, the heartworm vector, become active. As the month winds down and the temperature goes up, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, is addressing three common misconceptions related to heartworm disease and testing. “Heartworm disease is serious issue,” said […]

Electrolytes and macrominerals are important for maintaining several physiological functions. In veterinary medicine, an imbalance of these components could disrupt bodily mechanisms like blood circulation, muscle contraction, metabolism, endocrine function and more. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, provides comprehensive diagnostic services to help veterinarians develop effective treatment plans combating issues like analyte […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, has expanded its services to help pet owners identify and treat common springtime parasites like ticks and heartworms that become more prevalent as temperatures warm. “Like plants and flowers coming out of a dormant wintertime state, parasites also become more active as the weather warms,” said Mindy […]