Search results for “toxic”.
As part of the process for weaning, a group of 400 calves were given a parenteral injection of a mineral preparation. Four calves were unexpectedly found dead within 24 hours following treatment. Due to marked pulmonary congestion, there was a suspicion of acute pneumonia. Fresh and fixed tissues (liver spleen, lung, and kidney) were submitted…
Approximately 40 head of Hereford cows were grazing on 12 sections of land with oil production activity present. In one particular section, four to five cows were found dead within 12-24 hours. Another cow was observed by the owner to be shaking and trembling, had fallen and gotten up, fell a second time and became…
A one-month-old, Ragdoll kitten was presented for necropsy at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station after passing away subsequent to hospitalization for respiratory illness. The kitten was part of a large commercial breeding operation where multiple kittens were experiencing similar clinical signs. The gross necropsy findings indicated that the cause…
A two-month-old, 150-pound, Brahman-cross heifer calf was observed with neurologic signs following application of what was believed to be a permethrin-based insecticide. The calf died following symptomatic treatment. Fresh and fixed tissue samples were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for testing. A portion of fresh brain was extracted and analyzed…
Botulism may be uncommon, but when it strikes, the consequences can be devastating. Botulism is a neuroparalytic disease caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, a spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium. Susceptibility varies among species, and the effects of infection may range from temporary paralysis to respiratory failure. Timely recognition and diagnosis of botulism are helpful for…
On Fourth of July, Americans gather to celebrate with food, family, and festivities — sometimes accompanied by their loyal canine companions. Excited and playful, dogs enjoy mingling with guests and often hope to nab a bite of human food during the cookout. A sneaky swipe from the table, a scoop from off the ground or…
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…
Beetles found in a new batch of alfalfa hay were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for identification. TVMDL’s toxicology section can identify toxic and non-toxic beetles using microscopic examination. The beetles submitted were identified as Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae sp.) (Figure 1). Tiger beetles are characterized by having large, carnivorous mouth parts…
Drought conditions can create two deadly dangers for a herd: water deprivation and water (salt) intoxication. Poor water quality will worsen these conditions. Water DeprivationHigh temperatures combined with a lack of fresh water or green forage can lead to dehydration and death. During a drought, a poorly managed herd may lack access to enough fresh…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) received serum for marijuana testing from three different dogs over a period of five days. Each case was unrelated, and the dogs ranged in age from 1 to 12 years old. Clinical history was not provided. The serum samples were processed using solid phase extraction (SPE). Detection…