Search Results

Use the Find a Test page to browse and search for available tests.

Search results for “toxicology”.

  • Salt toxicity in broilers

    Salt toxicity was diagnosed in a 17-day-old, meat type chicken flock. Twelve birds were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Center. Clinical history noted increased mortality starting at 2-weeks-old. At necropsy examination, all the birds had an edematous brain with poorly defined cerebellar folia and cerebrum lobes, thin blood, and…

  • TVMDL Sections

    The Analytical Chemistry Section encompasses toxicology and drug testing. In this section, specimens are analyzed to diagnose poisonings and toxins. Specimens analyzed may include animal tissues, ingesta, blood, urine, plants, feed, hay, water, baits, fertilizer, etc. Staff can also identify poisonous plants and nutritional deficiencies of trace metals and vitamins. This section also identify drugs…

  • Diagnosing Toxic and Nutritional Conditions

    The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Analytical Chemistry Section has the ability to offer toxicology and drug testing services to livestock producers and practitioners. The lab offers a variety of tests to aid in diagnosing many conditions of both toxic and nutritional origin. Our highly trained and qualified personnel use state-of-the-art analytical techniques…

  • Nitrate poisoning in cattle

    Recently, seventeen cows died within twenty-four hours after consuming new hay. All of the cows died within 100 yards of the hay. A sample of the hay, along with tissue samples and ocular fluid from one of the cows were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for testing. Toxic levels of…

  • Strychnine detected in a puppy

    The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory received stomach content, fresh kidney, and serum from a two-month old mixed breed puppy for testing. The owner found the puppy deceased in the yard with foam coming from its mouth. Malicious poisoning was suspected as a neighbor previously threatened to poison the owner’s puppies. Given the uncertainty…

  • Agency History

    Serving Texas, and beyond, for nearly six decades At the urging of the Texas livestock industry, legislators created TVMDL during the regular session of the 60th Legislature, in 1967. In 1969, the College Station facility formally opened its doors. Six years later, to better serve the Texas feedlot industry, TVMDL opened the Amarillo facility. In…

  • Bromethalin poisoning in a feline

    A nine month old, spayed female, domestic cat became neurologic and was unresponsive to supportive treatment. Upon death, the head and three sections of liver were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for histopathologic evaluation and toxicology testing. Following a negative rabies test, a portion of fixed brain was examined and…

  • Pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity in a mature brangus cow

    An adult, female, 800 lb., Brangus cow in poor body condition was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy. The animal was part of a herd that reported multiple losses in the previous weeks and days. The clinical signs exhibited by other animals was not reported by the owner or…

  • Arsenic toxicosis in two calves

    Two hundred and forty straight stocker cattle were on a wheat and grass pasture with access to old barns filled with moldy hay, chemicals, fertilizers, and other substances. Six percent of the animals reportedly died within a 24-hour period. Two 7-month-old calves were necropsied on site and were noted to have melting abdominal fat, hemorrhage…

  • Chlorinated hydrocarbon and arsenic poisoning in cattle

    A herd of 14, six-month-old crossbred cattle was turned out into a new pasture. Within five days, five head died suddenly. An old barn with various abandoned and discarded metal and equipment was noted to be in the pasture. Chemical poisoning of an unknown origin was suspected. A 500-pound steer was submitted to the Texas…