Historical overview of anthrax in Texas’ livestock population (1974-2022) Narayan Paul, DVM, MS, PhD, ACVM Anthrax is caused by a gram positive, rod-shaped bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. This is a spore forming bacteria that can persist in … [Read more...] about Historical overview of anthrax in Texas’ livestock population (1974-2022)
equine
West Nile virus: Diagnostic Guidance for Veterinarians
Late summer is when the West Nile virus (WNV) poses the greatest threat to the health of horses in the United States. It’s important for veterinarians to educate horse owners concerning the prevention, detection and accurate diagnose of WNV. Yearly, … [Read more...] about West Nile virus: Diagnostic Guidance for Veterinarians
Too much (or too little) of a good thing: Thyroid disease testing at TVMDL
The thyroid gland serves an important function in the overall health of animals. However, it can also lead to a host of health issues if not functioning properly. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) offers several … [Read more...] about Too much (or too little) of a good thing: Thyroid disease testing at TVMDL
TVMDL adds panel to test catalog to aid in the detection of strangles
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) now offers a new strangles testing panel to assist equine clients in the detection of strangles. Earlier this year, TVMDL announced the addition of a multiplex real-time polymerase … [Read more...] about TVMDL adds panel to test catalog to aid in the detection of strangles
Collaborative project leads to improved diagnostic detection of strangles
Research initiated at the Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory (EIDL) at Texas A&M University aimed at exploring the genomic components of strangles has now led to an improved assay at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory … [Read more...] about Collaborative project leads to improved diagnostic detection of strangles
West Nile virus guidance for equine practitioners
Late summer is when the West Nile virus (WNV) poses the greatest threat to the health of horses in the United States. It’s important for veterinarians to educate horse owners concerning the prevention, detection and accurate diagnose of WNV. Yearly, … [Read more...] about West Nile virus guidance for equine practitioners
Equine asthma diagnosed with BAL Cytology
Equine asthma diagnosed with BAL Cytology Julie Piccione, DVM, MS, DACVP and Judith Akins, DVM, MS A 23-year-old American Quarter Horse mare was presented to a veterinarian for chronic coughing and exercise intolerance. On physical examination, … [Read more...] about Equine asthma diagnosed with BAL Cytology
De la Concha presents at 2021 Therio Conference
Earlier this summer, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Veterinary Pathologist Andrés de la Concha, DVM, MS, PhD presented at the 2021 Therio Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. The Therio Conference is hosted by the Society … [Read more...] about De la Concha presents at 2021 Therio Conference
Monday discusses recent anthrax cases on Around the Caprock
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Veterinary Diagnostician Jessie Monday, DVM, MS was a recent guest on Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network's show Around the Caprock. She discussed two recent anthrax cases TVMDL confirmed in … [Read more...] about Monday discusses recent anthrax cases on Around the Caprock
Heavy rains increase potential for mosquito-borne diseases
Recently, most of Texas has experienced record-setting rainfall. Flood waters can lead to a multitude of animal health concerns, but as the weather begins to warm up, one concern has the potential to be the most harmful: mosquitos. When it comes … [Read more...] about Heavy rains increase potential for mosquito-borne diseases
Fungal Equine Endometritis
Fungal Equine Endometritis Judith Akins, DVM, MS Vaginal/uterine discharge was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station from an eight-year-old Warmblood mare for culture and a cytologic … [Read more...] about Fungal Equine Endometritis
TVMDL upgrades strychnine test; Testing now offered for serum samples
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (TVMDL) analytical chemistry section recently upgraded its strychnine test. Changes made include detection of strychnine using LC/MS instead of HPLC and detection of strychnine in … [Read more...] about TVMDL upgrades strychnine test; Testing now offered for serum samples
Review the range: Cattle and horse owners encouraged to be aware of potentially toxic plants
Spring is getting closer and summer is not far behind. As the seasons change, it’s important to be aware of the different plants that have grown or been added to your surroundings and their potential toxic effects on cattle and horses. What are … [Read more...] about Review the range: Cattle and horse owners encouraged to be aware of potentially toxic plants
Gomez contributes to literature over systemic toxoplasmosis in equine
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Anatomic Pathology Section Head Gabe Gomez, DVM, PhD, DACVP is part of team that recently published an article in the Journal of Comparative Pathology. The article covers systemic … [Read more...] about Gomez contributes to literature over systemic toxoplasmosis in equine
Failed Equine Pre-Purchase Drug Screen
Failed Equine Pre-Purchase Drug Screen Travis Mays, MS, PhD Blood was collected during a routine pre-purchase examination on a horse and submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station for drug … [Read more...] about Failed Equine Pre-Purchase Drug Screen
Beetles found in alfalfa hay
Beetles Found in Alfalfa Hay Travis Mays, MS, PhD 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 … [Read more...] about Beetles found in alfalfa hay
Gopher bait with anticoagulant detected in horses
Gopher bait with anticoagulant detected in horses Guy Sheppard, DVM and Cat Barr, PhD, DABT The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) was contacted by a client who was concerned a group of horses had potentially consumed … [Read more...] about Gopher bait with anticoagulant detected in horses
TVMDL group authors article for Texas Equine Veterinary Association
A group of veterinarians and scientists from the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory's (TVMDL) College Station laboratory recently authored an article for the Texas Equine Veterinary Association's (TEVA) publication, The Remuda. … [Read more...] about TVMDL group authors article for Texas Equine Veterinary Association
Quantitating Cantharidin levels in a blister beetle
Quantitating Cantharidin levels in a blister beetle By Cat Barr, PhD, DABT In January, an animal owner in northwestern Washington State contacted the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) regarding possible blister … [Read more...] about Quantitating Cantharidin levels in a blister beetle
Horse Diagnosed with Equine Botryomycosis
Horse Diagnosed with Equine Botryomycosis Kayla Tomaso and Erin Edwards, DVM, MS, DACVP Tissue samples from two ear masses on a 3-year-old American Quarter Horse were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (TVMDL) in College … [Read more...] about Horse Diagnosed with Equine Botryomycosis
Segmental analysis of hair for drug detection in racing horses
Segmental analysis of hair for drug detection in racing horses Travis Mays, MS, PhD The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (TVMDL) drug testing laboratory offers a screen for the detection of beta-adrenergic agonist drugs, … [Read more...] about Segmental analysis of hair for drug detection in racing horses
Diagnostic guidance: Cantharidin poisoning in horses
When horses ingest the cantharidin toxin through hay or alfalfa contaminated with “blister” beetles, the outcome is often fatal. Toxicosis occurs rapidly; as little as four grams of dried beetles may contain fatal levels of … [Read more...] about Diagnostic guidance: Cantharidin poisoning in horses
Prepare your horses for spring: Vaccinate for West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus
Last year, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL), documented fewer cases of West Nile virus than in previous years. The number of positive cases of West Nile virus in horses seen at TVMDL fluctuates from year to year, … [Read more...] about Prepare your horses for spring: Vaccinate for West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus
Possible Wilted Maple Poisoning in Mare
Possible Wilted Maple Poisoning in Mare Cat Barr, PhD, DABT A 7-year-old pastured mare suffered an acute onset of hemolytic anemia and hematuria. The blood drawn for analysis was hemolyzed and dark. The mare died about three hours after … [Read more...] about Possible Wilted Maple Poisoning in Mare
Drug Testing During the Fall Livestock Show Season
Drug Testing During the Fall Livestock Show Season Travis Mays, MS, PhD Between the months of August to December, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) performs drug testing on more than 1,000 urine, blood, fecal, and … [Read more...] about Drug Testing During the Fall Livestock Show Season