Electrolytes and macrominerals are important for maintaining several physiological functions. In veterinary medicine, an imbalance of these components could disrupt bodily mechanisms like blood circulation, muscle contraction, metabolism, endocrine function and more. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, provides comprehensive diagnostic services to help veterinarians develop effective treatment plans combating issues like analyte…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, has expanded its services to help pet owners identify and treat common springtime parasites like ticks and heartworms that become more prevalent as temperatures warm. “Like plants and flowers coming out of a dormant wintertime state, parasites also become more active as the weather warms,” said Mindy…
The detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, subtype H5N1 in dairy cattle was confirmed in March 2024 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA. This finding was the first of its kind and shocked the global scientific community. The official confirmation came on the heels of testing performed at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical…
Michael Piccione, DVM, joined the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) as a veterinary diagnostician on March 24. Piccione is a two-time graduate of the University of Florida. In 2007, he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and in 2012 he earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Piccione comes to TVMDL from Banfield…
Semira Mancill and Ronnie Schnell are more than just dedicated professionals — they are passionate agriculturalists who live their love for agriculture beyond their nine-to-five jobs. During the week, Mancill, DVM and a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists, works as a veterinary diagnostician at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL. In…
Extended daylight in the spring signals the start of the equine breeding season. Sunlight stimulates the release of hormones that influence ovarian activity. Before breeding mares, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive reproductive evaluation. A complete breeding soundness examination includes an overview of the overall health of the mare, a physical evaluation of the…
Three professionals from the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) are co-authors on a recent journal article covering the first autochthonous cases of fasciolosis in donkeys. Fasciola heptica is a trematode parasite that can found be across the world among various host types, most notably ruminants. Equids may be neglected as potential hosts and…
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is pleased to announce the implementation of a digital Parasite & Ova Identification test for the identification of microscopic parasitic structures. Parasite & Ova Identification (Digital)Test Code: 1566.WPrice: $40Turnaround Time: This test is performed Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. If submissions are received…
Payton Porubsky has always been interested in cattle. While most kids her age spent their summers enjoying typical pastimes, she was in the pasture honing her cattle clipping and fitting skillset. Today, Porubsky owns and operates Diamond P Services, a show cattle fitting business, while also working full-time as a customer service associate at the…
As temperatures drop, outdoor cats may be spending more time indoors, which calls for attention to a health threat — Toxoplasma gondii, also known as the “cat parasite.” This infectious agent infects over 40 million people in the U.S. The parasites reproduce exclusively within cats; however, any warm-blooded animal, including humans, is susceptible to the…