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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…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, is dedicated to serving its clients and recognizes the unique needs of those who submit samples in bulk. These clients often rely on fast, accurate results to maintain animal health, meet export deadlines, and respond swiftly to emerging threats within a herd or flock. To help optimize…
Commonly called “ringworm,” the public sometimes assumes a parasitic cause, but the veterinary community knows the cause is fungal — an important distinction when diagnosing and managing cases. Dermatophytosis is one of the more common fungal infections veterinarians encounter, yet it can be deceptively tricky to diagnose and manage. Practitioners can rely on the Texas A&M Veterinary…
Between 2019 and 2023, TVMDL has assisted Texas veterinarians in diagnosing 32 cases of hemotropic Mycoplasma infection and 9 cases of cytauxzoonosis in cats. These cases have been identified by microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears, targeted PCR testing, or necropsy/histological examination. Using TVMDL testing data gathered since March 2019, this article provides a brief…
Although the Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, offers necropsy services, sending large bodies to the lab for examination may not always be feasible. Field necropsies can be used as a tool to provide valuable information about an individual animal and herd health. Correctly and thoroughly collecting specimens in the field may increase the overall…
Most livestock species have thicker skin than humans, but it’s still vulnerable to harsh summer conditions. Sun exposure, bacterial infections and increased activity of parasite-carrying insects can all take a toll on livestock skin. Each year, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, receives samples that reveal how sweltering summers affect livestock health. It’s…
Three professionals from the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, were honored at this year’s American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, AAVLD, meeting in Aurora, Colorado. Amy Swinford, DVM, TVMDL director, was the 2025 recipient of the E.P. Pope Award, AAVLD’s highest recognition. The E.P. Pope Award signifies immense contributions to AAVLD and the…
A sample’s journey from the clinic to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is unpredictable. Once a package enters the mail system, it’s likely to get tossed, turned, and bumped until it arrives at the laboratory. Knowing this, it’s imperative clients take steps to properly package samples to ensure they arrive safely 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…
In this article: Overview: Equine infectious anemia (EIA) Equine Infectious Anemia, EIA, is a blood-borne viral disease of equids caused by the Equine Infectious Anemia Virus, EIAV, a lentivirus in the Retroviridae family, making it a relative of HIV. Once an equid is infected, the virus integrates into host macrophages and persists for life due to its ability to…