Search results for “toxic”.
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…
John Reagor, PhD, Veterinary Toxicologist Emeritus, passed away on April 20. Reagor fervently served the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) as the agency’s toxicologist for 50 years. During his time at TVMDL he garnered a national reputation for his expertise of various toxins. He led TVMDL’s toxicology section to become one of the…
The non-stick coating polytetrafluoroethylene (TeflonTM) on cookware, light bulbs, and ovens releases fluorinated gases upon overheating. This is particularly important with pet birds, but can be observed in poultry with polytetrafluoroethylene-coated heat lamp bulbs. These gases are highly toxic to the epithelium of the deep airways and endothelium of the blood capillaries. Birds exposed to…
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…
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…
A producer reported a sudden death loss of six head of cattle. Two of the animals were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy to determine the cause of sudden death. Upon arrival at TVMDL, the owner indicated there had been a history of pneumonia and some of the animals…
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…
In reflecting upon yet another major livestock show season in Texas, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of copper toxicity, particularly in sheep and goats. Sheep are particularly sensitive to excess copper in their diets. Although goats are not as sensitive as sheep, they can still become intoxicated with too much copper. It…
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…