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…
Four employees from across the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) have been recognized with a 2024 Eugster Award. Formerly named the Director’s Excellence Award, TVMDL renamed its award program to honor Dr. A. Konrad Eugster, TVMDL’s former executive director who served the agency for more than 30 years. Dr. Eugster was the embodiment…
Cytology testing can be a quick and efficient method of obtaining answers to critical animal health questions. However, to get the most value out of cytology, clients must ensure important patient information is relayed at the time of submission. This, coupled with properly collected samples and strong communication between the veterinarian and the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical…
Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory disease in horses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. Horses of all ages can be affected by the infection, but younger horses are especially vulnerable. Although the mortality rate for strangles is low, the disease can develop into more complicated problems if untreated. In rare cases, the…
Although the Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, offers necropsy services, sending large bodies to the lab for examination may not always be feasible. Field necropsies can be used as a tool to provide valuable information about an individual animal and herd health. Correctly and thoroughly collecting specimens in the field may increase the overall…
Livestock export testing safeguards human and animal health internationally. Testing helps mitigate the spread of diseases and ensures international commerce is sustainable. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, is the only laboratory in Texas authorized to perform testing that meets United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, and international requirements. “The goal of export…