Search results for “plant identification”.
When horses ingest the cantharidin toxin through hay or alfalfa contaminated with “blister” beetles, the outcome is often fatal. Toxicosis occurs rapidly; as little as four grams of dried beetles may contain fatal levels of cantharidin. Cantharidin is extremely toxic and fast-acting, quickly affecting a horse’s ability to function. All blister beetles carry cantharidin and…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) works alongside the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to provide testing services in accordance to state regulations. Due to the increased volume of regulatory testing this time of year, incomplete submissions can be significantly delayed. Here are some best practices that aid in the quick accessioning of…
Detection of Chlamydia spp. by real time PCR.
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…
Detection of abnormal prion protein, the suspected causative agent of chronic wasting disease, in either antemortem samples (biopsies of retropharyngeal lymph node, tonsil, or rectal wall), or postmortem samples (retropharyngeal lymph node or obex) by immunohistochemical staining.
Detection of abnormal prion protein, the suspected causative agent of chronic wasting disease (CWD), by ELISA. This test is for one sample type, either the retropharyngeal lymph nodes OR obex.
Detection of abnormal prion protein, the suspected causative agent of chronic wasting disease (CWD), by ELISA. This test is for both the retropharyngeal lymph node AND obex.
We understand that the need for diagnostic services may be stressful: losing an animal, seeking help for sick animals, testing required for movement and business, and various other scenarios can be trying. Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) staff work to provide diagnostic services with courtesy, compassion, and respect. We ask that you treat our…
Looking for practical clinical insight without stepping away from your practice? The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, Clinical Connections webinar series offers a convenient, one-hour virtual learning experience open to veterinary professionals, students, and animal health partners everywhere. Texas veterinarians can also earn one hour of continuing education (CE) credit while gaining diagnostic knowledge they can immediately apply in…
Since the onset of winter, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) has seen quite a few cases of intoxication in cattle that have consumed the coffee senna (Senna occidentalis) plant. Most of the cases involved adult cattle that were found dead by the owners. The diagnosis was made by finding evidence of the plant in the…