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Photosensitization is a serious skin condition in horses and cattle caused by a hazardous combination of certain plants and ultraviolet (UV) light. Certain plants contain photodynamic agents, which then cause a reaction in the animal’s body that leads to ultra-sensitive skin. This condition is specific to lightly or non-pigmented animals or areas of an animal…
In late March, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) diagnosed senna toxicosis in two separate goat herds, from west and central Texas. In the first case, a 2-month-old goat kid was found suddenly dead along with one other goat kid. A third surviving kid was reported to be clinically ill. Histologically, the heart…
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…
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…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) offers digital toxicology to account-holding clients. Digital toxicology provides evaluation of photos taken with smart phones, or other digital cameras, and an official report identifying items photographed (where possible) including an attachment with labeled photos for later reference – an advantage over shipping items to the laboratory…
Approximately 200 head of cattle were grazing on improved native Bermuda grass pastures in the Colorado River bottom. Vegetation also included a large number of oak trees, and a low number of nightshade, cocklebur, and coffee senna plants. Two 400 to 500 lb. calves were found down and unable to rise. Both calves died within…
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…
A herd of steers, weighing approximately 700 lbs. and roughly 8 months old, was moved onto a ryegrass/native pasture. After about a month, four steers were found dead while 17 steers exhibited peeling and crusting noses with thickening of ear and eye margins. The animals did not exhibit any clinical signs of illness and were…
Nitrate toxicity occurs when animals consume food or water that contains high levels of nitrates. In the rumen, nitrates are converted into a smaller compound called nitrites, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Ruminants are particularly susceptible because of their consistent grazing habits. Alexis Thompson, DVM, Ph.D., DACVPM, is the resident director at the…