Although the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) strives to process and test all samples quickly, delays occur when samples arrive at the lab in less than ideal conditions. Here are some practices to help mitigate potential delays when submitting samples for antemortem CWD testing. Paperwork All antemortem CWD samples should have a thoroughly […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is committed to assisting the Texas deer industry. To expedite submissions and ensure accurate reports, clients should consider the following practices prior to submitting samples for testing. Samples submitted in less than ideal condition may result in delays. Not Ideal Tissue is not flat. Folded tissues increase […]

Click to Skip Tips for Collecting Needle and Core Bone Biopsy | Tips for Submitting and Entire Leg | Clinical History Submitting samples of bone for histopathological analysis is essential to definitively diagnose most primary bone diseases (e.g., osteosarcoma). However, collecting representative bone biopsy specimens and their histopathological interpretations presents several challenges for the clinician […]

Hemorrhagic disease in deer can be caused by either Epizootic Hemorrhagic disease (EHD) viruses or Bluetongue viruses (BT). If hemorrhagic disease is suspected, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) advises to test for both EHD and BT viruses. Why does TVMDL recommend testing for both diseases? Correct diagnosis is the only way to […]

A haired skin specimen from a White-Tailed deer of unknown age was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for microscopic examination. The tissue was from a deer that had multiple cutaneous, firm, tan nodules. Microscopically, these tan nodules correlated with markedly dilated hair follicles that contained a large number of cross […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) offers digital cytology to account-holding clients. Digital cytology provides rapid evaluation of photos taken with microscope cameras or smart phones or whole slide imaging (WSI). This service provides an official report and cytologic interpretation, within one hour of submission during business hours. To enhance this service, submission […]

A 1.5-year-old, captive, white-tailed deer buck was submitted to TVMDL for necropsy. The animal had a prolonged history of illness for at least 4 months that was not responsive to antibiotic treatment. Reported clinical signs included lethargy and rapid weight loss despite having an appetite. At necropsy, a severe endocarditis was discovered. Large amounts of […]

The carcass of a male, intact, 92 lbs., 2.5-year-old white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) was presented for necropsy at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s (TVMDL) College Station laboratory. Three other deer in the same pen had died recently. Clinical signs included heavy breathing, stumbling, grinding of the teeth, coughing, lethargy, and death. At necropsy, […]

Hundreds of samples arrive daily at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for testing. Testing accuracy often depends on the submission of the proper specimen for the assay, particularly for molecular diagnostics. With the proper sample, we can perform the assay and provide the most timely and accurate results without delay.  While results […]

Hundreds of samples arrive daily at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for testing. Testing accuracy often depends on submission of the proper specimen for the assay, particularly for molecular diagnostics.  To ensure the appropriate sample is submitted for molecular diagnostics at TVMDL, please consult the website for specific details associated with the […]

Hemorrhagic disease is a viral disease caused by either the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus or the bluetongue virus. These viruses are closely related, but genetically distinct. In North America, hemorrhagic disease is seen primarily among white-tailed deer and occasionally in mule deer, black-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep. Wild deer as well as […]

Anthrax is caused by a gram positive, rod-shaped bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. This is a spore forming bacteria that can persist in dry, alkaline soil of endemic areas such as southwest Texas. Cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and horses are more susceptible to infection than pigs, birds and carnivores, like dogs and cats. In herbivores, anthrax […]

Diagnosing animal diseases frequently requires a veterinarian or a technician to collect specimens in the field. This can be difficult without having the right tools on hand. For these occasions, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory suggests assembling a necropsy field kit. The kit should include the following tools and materials, all of which […]

Prior to diagnostic testing, it’s important to determine what factors would lead to the most comprehensive assessment of an animal’s condition. Each case must be evaluated individually in order to establish the most practical diagnostic testing route.  Collection Guidelines What is an ideal serum sample? Since most serologic testing utilizes serum, blood should be collected […]

In this article What is Johne’s disease? Johne’s disease is a chronic, progressive intestinal disease of ruminants caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, also known as MAP. The organism infects the small intestine, leading to thickening of the intestinal wall, reduced nutrient absorption, and eventually diarrhea and severe weight loss. The disease typically […]

A legal necropsy as defined by the purposes of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is a necropsy done to attempt to determine the cause of death in cases where the death is known or suspected to be non-natural, there are suspicious circumstances, or there is evidence of foul play. They tend to […]

With lambing season at its peak, the risk of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) in cattle is also heightened. To mitigate the threat of transmission, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, recommends separating cattle from sheep and looking to diagnostics to assist in detection. What is MCF? MCF is a viral disease caused by […]

Information that covers MCF in ruminants.

Although there have been substantial advances in benchtop hematology instrumentation for veterinary species, manual evaluation of a blood smear remains a vital part of a complete blood count (CBC). At the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL), all CBCs include manual blood smear examination by a highly skilled clinical pathology technician, a clinical pathologist, […]

Step 1 Choose the proper size shipping box and styrofoam cooler for the amount and size of samples being sent. Step 2 Place a cool pack in the bottom of the styrofoam cooler to keep the sample(s) properly preserved. Step 3 Place the sample in the whirl-pak. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Fold […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) performs numerous tests using serum. Proper collection, preparation, and packaging for transportation is imperative to obtaining a quality serum sample. Serum samples that arrive at TVMDL which are hemolyzed and/or lipemic may not be acceptable for testing. Accurate results start with an ideal sample. Ideal Sample Clear […]

Dermatology cases are one of the most common types of cases seen by general practitioners. A crucial diagnostic tool in these cases is the skin biopsy. They are indicated in cases that do not respond to normal therapy, pustular, or ulcerative disease, and suspected neoplasia.  Before Taking a Skin Biopsy Prior treatment should also be […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, is the only laboratory in Texas authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture to perform testing for Chronic Wasting Disease, CWD. As such, it is critical samples are submitted properly to mitigate potential testing delays. TVMDL recommends these three best practices to keep in mind when […]

Click to Skip: Autolysis | Cautery Artifact | Freezing Artifact | Crush Artifact | Sponge Artifact Pathologic artifacts are any structures or features that are not normally present in the living animal. Some are minor, easy to distinguish from normal or diseased tissue, and/or do not interfere with the pathologists’ ability to provide an accurate […]