A nine-year-old female, spayed dog was presented to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of a skin infection. The dog was treated with antibiotic and immunosuppressive drugs to resolve the infection. A punch biopsy sample was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station for bacterial and fungal culture. Bacterial […]

Click to Skip: Bone Marrow Aspirate Procedure | Bone Marrow Core Biopsy Procedure Bone marrow testing is used to diagnose and monitor bone marrow diseases and CBC abnormalities. Full evaluation of bone marrow requires a CBC the day of the bone marrow collection, bone marrow aspiration, and a bone marrow core biopsy.  Indications for bone […]

A 13-year-old, neutered male, Miniature Dachshund cross breed dog presented for a firm, 3 cm growth on the 5thrib.   The mass was aspirated and submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for cytology examination. Results indicated that this mass was a neoplasm highly suggestive of a sarcoma. Malignant bone tumors are common […]

An adult angus bull was presented to a veterinarian for lethargy and weakness. The bull died shortly after blood collection. Blood and tissue samples were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). The complete blood count revealed a marked leukocytosis characterized by a lymphocytosis at 43,000 lymphocytes/µL (reference interval 1,800 – 9,000 […]

Slides from an aspirate of a mass on the left elbow of a two-year-old, intact male German Shepherd dog were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for examination.  The slides had moderate numbers of macrophages, few multi-nucleated cells and neutrophils, and a large amount of brown staining material (mineralization).  There were […]

An 11-year-old Corgi mix was presented to the veterinarian with intermittent diarrhea and inappetence. History noted the dog had clinical signs of gastrointestinal (GI) disease for the past few months, was current on vaccinations and was fed a raw food diet. A fecal sample was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) […]

A 13-year-old female spayed Beagle was presented to its veterinarian for increased urination. On physical exam, the veterinarian noted a pot-bellied appearance and thinning hair coat. A minimum data base (CBC, Chemistry, and urinalysis) was performed in-house and revealed only a markedly increased ALKP activity, low lymphocyte count, and a low urine specific gravity (specific […]

A 3-year-old domestic short-haired cat from central Texas died shortly after arrival at a veterinary clinic.  On gross necropsy, lesions were minimal; however, histologically every tissue examined demonstrated vascular occlusion with numerous intracytoplasmic schizonts within macrophages.  The schizonts were approximately 40 microns in diameter and contained numerous 1-3 micron merozoites. This cat died from infection […]

An outdoor 5-year-old domestic medium hair cat from Gainesville, Texas was presented to a veterinarian for decreased appetite and thirst of one-day duration. The cat had disappeared a few days prior to examination. Freshly prepared blood smears were submitted for a hemoparasite examination at TVMDL. Examination of the blood smear from the cat revealed schizont-laden […]

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 […]

Many Texans rely upon the weather for a variety of reasons. From crops to cattle, Texans are often at the mercy of Mother Nature. Although droughts can have a dire impact on animal health, floods can also contribute to widespread issues among animal owners. Excessive rainfall can contribute to mosquito-borne diseases, toxic plants, dermatologic conditions, […]

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 […]

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 […]

An 8-year-old spayed domestic short haired cat from east Texas presented to the veterinarian for a lesion on the right hip. When the lesion was shaved, a worm presented itself and was extracted. The worm was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL), where it was identified as Dracunculus insignis. Dracunculus insignis, more […]

A 7-year-old, neutered Labrador Retriever was presented to their veterinarian for acute onset of lethargy, inappetence, and epistaxis. On physical examination, the dog had a mild fever (102.8˚F) and dried blood around the nose. Blood was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for CBC and chemistry panels. The chemistry panel was […]

A 23-year-old American Quarter Horse mare was presented to a veterinarian for chronic coughing and exercise intolerance. On physical examination, wheezing was heard during auscultation. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and chemistry profiles were unremarkable. Respiratory endoscopy revealed mildly increased airway mucus. A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed and fluid was submitted to TVMDL for cytologic […]

A 10-year-old female dog presented to its veterinarian for routine exam, vaccination and heartworm testing. It was estimated that the dog had been off heartworm preventative for more than six months.  In-clinic testing revealed the presence of microfilariae on blood drop analysis, but was negative on an in-house antigen test. TVMDL received whole blood (EDTA) […]

A small piece of carpal bone from an eight-year-old domestic short haired cat (DSH) was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for histopathology. The provided history stated the cat had a lytic and proliferative lesion of the “carpal bones”. An impression smear of the boney lesion was also submitted. The slides […]

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 evaluation. Cytologically the discharge consisted of large numbers of degenerate neutrophils and marked numbers of yeast. The neutrophils were actively phagocytizing the yeast. There were no bacteria identified. The […]

Evaluation of increased liver enzyme activity or poor liver function tests can be a daunting task due to the variety of etiologies that can cause liver disease in small animals. Collection of fine needle aspirates for cytologic evaluation or larger tissue samples for histologic examination are often indicated for diagnosis. Several important guidelines should be […]

An 11-month-old Bloodhound dog presented to an east Texas veterinary clinic with a 2-week history of lethargy, painfulness, and losing muscle mass. Vital signs included a temperature of 104°F, pulse 160 bpm, pink mucous membranes, and capillary refill time of more than two seconds. The fecal exam indicated a severe hookworm infestation. An in-house CBC […]

A six-year-old domestic short hair (DSH) cat was examined by a veterinarian for ocular and nasal discharge, anorexia, and weight loss that had persisted for two months. Bilateral enlarged popliteal lymph nodes were found on the initial examination. Fine needle aspiration of one of the enlarged lymph nodes was performed and a digital image of […]

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a common disorder in dogs where red blood cells are destroyed after being coated with antibodies and/or complement. IMHA can occur as a primary (idiopathic) process or secondary to a variety of etiologies (e.g. infectious agents and neoplasia). IMHA is a dangerous disorder that leads to severe clinical disease and […]

A veterinarian was called to examine a 5-month-old Angus calf due to weight loss and lethargy. On physical examination the calf had a temperature of 105˚F and all external lymph nodes were enlarged. Blood was collected and lymph nodes were aspirated. The samples were sent to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for a […]

A fine needle aspirate of a mass on the left ear pinnae of a 9-year-old, spayed, female domestic shorthaired cat was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) cytology service. History stated the lesion began as a small scab about a month before the sample collection, but had grown rapidly to its […]

A 6-year-old male-neutered Boxer was presented to its veterinarian for a mass on the right ear pinna. The mass was approximately 2 cm in diameter, slightly ulcerated and limited to the dermis. According to the owner, the mass had been present for approximately 2 weeks and was growing. Fine needle aspiration was performed. Slides were […]

A 5-year-old, male, neutered Bulldog was presented to their veterinarian for an acute onset of multiple masses. Upon examination, the masses were discovered to be lymph nodes. Fine needle aspiration was performed and slides were stained in-clinic. Five images were taken with a smart phone, in various areas of two slides collected from separate lymph […]

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 […]

An unidentified microfilaria was found on a blood smear obtained from a 16-year old, female, captive penguin who was being treated for respiratory aspergillosis. The attending veterinarian submitted whole blood and a fresh blood smear to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for parasite identification.  Multiple microfilariae were seen on the submitted blood […]

An adult female cougar (Felis concolor) suspected to have been involved in a human attack in far west Texas was trapped and euthanized.  The animal was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for diagnostic testing. At necropsy, the carcass was thin with no visceral or subcutaneous fat.  Other significant gross findings included […]

An 11-year-old, spayed female, mixed breed dog was presented to her veterinarian for a mass on the left hind limb. Physical exam revealed a large (~6 cm), irregularly shaped, firm, subcutaneous mass near the left hock. Fine needle aspiration was performed and slides were sent to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for […]

Coccidia are single-celled parasites that are common in many species, including goats. Diagnosis of coccidiosis is most commonly achieved through fecal flotation in specimens from live animals. Characteristic lesions can also be seen at necropsy. This article will highlight a recent case of coccidiosis in a goat kid at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic […]

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, […]

Urine and aspirated abdominal fluid from a five-year-old Collie dog were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for a urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) and a fluid analysis and cytology.  The UPC was 10.48.  The protein in the abdominal fluid was 0.2 mg/dl.  The ascites was due to the large […]

A 9-year-old intact, female, cross breed dog was presented to a practitioner for subcutaneous masses all over the body. A fine needle aspirate of one mass was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). It was highly cellular and mostly consisted of atypical round/hemic cells distributed individually within a large amount of […]

A 10-year-old female spayed Shih Tzu was presented to her veterinarian for an annual wellness exam. At home, the dog had been doing well but was reported to have less energy. On physical examination, the veterinarian noted mildly to moderately enlarged mandibular and prescapular lymph nodes bilaterally. A fine needle aspirate was collected and sent […]

Anaplasma marginale is a rickettsial bacterium that invades the red blood cells (RBCs) of ruminants, primarily cattle, and is considered the most common tick-borne infection of cattle.  In addition to tick vectors (Dermacentor spp., Rhipicephalus spp.), biting flies and blood-tainted fomites can also transmit this organism.  Anaplasma marginale is typically a clinical disease of adult cattle.  Calves infected with the organisms usually […]

Canine Diagnostic Testing Canine Basic Thyroid Panel (T4, TSH, Free T4)The two most frequent thyroid disorders in dogs are primary hypothyroidism and euthyroid sick syndrome (repressed pituitary-thyroid axis due to non-thyroid illness). Additionally, some medications can induce hypothyroxinemia in dogs (i.e. phenobarbital, sulfa drugs, glucocorticoids). Other variables that may affect T4 and TSH include diestrus, […]

An 8-year-old, female, spayed Yorkshire terrier from southcentral Texas presented to their veterinarian with lethargy, inappetence, and an acute onset of a “hunched over” posture. The dog had no clinical history of external parasites, including ticks. Whole blood and serum were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for complete blood count […]

IntroductionTick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) is caused by several species of bacteria in the genus Borrelia. Similarly to Lyme disease, which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, these bacteria are spread by ticks and cause non-specific clinical signs. In contrast to Lyme disease, TBRF Borrelia species are transmitted by soft ticks, which have different environmental and feeding […]

A 7-year-old, female spayed, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier from the Brazos Valley region of Texas presented to the veterinarian for lethargy and decreased appetite. The clinic found there was mild anemia and a low platelet count at 32K/µL (RI: 200-500K/µL). The veterinarian reviewed a blood smear in the clinic and noted hemoparasites. Peripheral blood was […]

An aspirate from a mass on the penis of a 3-year-old, intact male, mixed breed dog was submitted for examination at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station. The mass was proliferative (cauliflower-like) and ulcerated on the surface. History indicated the mass had grown rapidly. Slides from the aspirate were cellular […]

Each test description in the online test catalog lists the proper sample submission, including collection container and shipping instructions. Follow the chart below and submit the sample in the correct tube.  Serum Plasma or Whole Blood Zinc Trace Material

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 clinical pathology section at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) received a digital cytology submission, with follow-up glass slides submission, of a prostate aspirate from a 7-year-old, male, small-breed canine. According to the referring veterinarian, the patient had a history of weight loss, diarrhea, and tenesmus. Rectal exam revealed an enlarged prostate. […]

A viral-induced Shope fibroma was diagnosed cytologically in an adult domestic rabbit with several subcutaneous masses. Shope (rabbit) fibroma virus is spread by biting arthropods and can result in the formation of single or multiple tumors in wild and domestic rabbits. Cytologically, these tumors can appear markedly atypical, mimicking a malignant neoplasm. Thorough clinical history […]

An 11-year-old, female spayed, domestic short haired cat was presented to her veterinarian for increased appetite, weight loss, and occasional vomiting. Besides a low body condition score, no overt abnormalities were identified on physical exam. A minimum database (CBC, chemistry, T4, and urinalysis) was performed at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). The […]

Chagas disease was diagnosed via blood smear and buffy coat examination in a clinically ill puppy with ascites. Although classically observed as trypomastigotes (elongated forms) in fresh samples, these organisms can transform into a rounded form with storage (as depicted here). Chagas disease is caused by the protozoal organism, Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by the […]

A two-year-old mixed breed dog was presented to their veterinarian for an inability to lose weight and mild hair loss. Blood was collected and serum was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for the Canine Basic Thyroid Panel. Results are reported below. Test Result Flag Reference Interval Unit Method T4 0.61 […]