April is National Heartworm Awareness month. Spring is also the time of year when mosquitoes, the heartworm vector, become active. As the month winds down and the temperature goes up, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, is addressing three common misconceptions related to heartworm disease and testing. “Heartworm disease is serious issue,” said […]

Most livestock species have thicker skin than humans, but it’s still vulnerable to harsh summer conditions. Sun exposure, bacterial infections and increased activity of parasite-carrying insects can all take a toll on livestock skin. Each year, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, receives samples that reveal how sweltering summers affect livestock health. It’s […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, is dedicated to serving its clients and recognizes the unique needs of those who submit samples in bulk. These clients often rely on fast, accurate results to maintain animal health, meet export deadlines, and respond swiftly to emerging threats within a herd or flock.  To help optimize […]

October is filled with treats that can make pet safety tricky. Candy, food, drinks, and decorative items rank among the spookiest of scares for pets. As such, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is encouraging dog owners to take note of the seasonal items present during the month of October as many can […]

Nitrate toxicity occurs when animals consume food or water that contains high levels of nitrates. In the rumen, nitrates are converted into a smaller compound called nitrites, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Ruminants are particularly susceptible because of their consistent grazing habits.  Alexis Thompson, DVM, Ph.D., DACVPM, is the resident director at the […]

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are bacteria capable of photosynthesis. They play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants and other organisms. However, under certain conditions, such as warm temperatures and high nutrient levels (phosphorus and nitrogen), cyanobacteria can proliferate rapidly, leading to harmful algal blooms. […]

Botulism may be uncommon, but when it strikes, the consequences can be devastating. Botulism is a neuroparalytic disease caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, a spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium. Susceptibility varies among species, and the effects of infection may range from temporary paralysis to respiratory failure. Timely recognition and diagnosis of botulism are helpful for […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) works alongside the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to provide testing services in accordance to state regulations. Due to the increased volume of regulatory testing this time of year, incomplete submissions can be significantly delayed. Here are some best practices that aid in the quick accessioning of […]

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Clinical Pathologist Dr. Yvonne Wikander recently co-authored a major review paper over Cytauxzoon felis, a tick-transmitted pathogen in feline. C. felis is the causative agent of cytauxzoonosis, a disease often seen in domestic cats. Abstract Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-transmitted, obligate, hemoprotozoal, piroplasmid pathogen of felids and the causative agent […]

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 […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, regularly performs testing to detect and mitigate the effects of pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection commonly found in canines. Clinical signs of pyoderma include redness, pustules, crusting, hair loss and itchiness around affected regions.  The disease is classified into three categories based on the depth of infection: […]

Mycoplasma bacteria can cause a variety of symptoms in many of our animal species. These bacteria are unique because they lack a cell wall, making them challenging to detect and treat. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) commonly detects infections in dogs, cats, and livestock. One of the most common signs of mycoplasma […]

Canine parvovirus, also known as CPV or “parvo,” is a highly contagious disease infecting puppies and occasionally adult dogs. The disease can cause severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. The absence or delay of treatment can increase the risk of critical health complications including the possibility of death. Diagnostic testing plays a key role […]

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 […]

Between 2019 and 2023, TVMDL has assisted Texas veterinarians in diagnosing 32 cases of hemotropic Mycoplasma infection and 9 cases of cytauxzoonosis in cats. These cases have been identified by microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears, targeted PCR testing, or necropsy/histological examination. Using TVMDL testing data gathered since March 2019, this article provides a brief […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) assists Texas veterinarians in diagnosing an average of over 350 cases of systemic fungal infection each year. To do so, TVMDL offers serologic testing specific for Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Cryptococcus, and Histoplasma. Additionally, these fungal pathogens may be cultured, or found via microscopic examination of blood smears, […]

This article was originally published in AgriLife Today. A Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, expert advises horse owners to take proactive steps to protect their horses after cases of eastern equine encephalitis, EEE, infections in two Houston County horses were confirmed. These are the first reported cases of the mosquito-borne illness in Texas, according to […]

Equine rhinitis viruses, ERV, are small, non-enveloped RNA viruses belonging to the Picornaviridae family, shown to be capable of causing disease in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts of equids.  In the 1960s, clinical presentation and some virological features mistakenly led to its inclusion in the Rhinovirus genus. By the 1990s, molecular studies confirmed […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, receives and test samples from livestock show animals for the presence of performance-enhancing drugs or medications. These tests are in place to protect animal welfare, consumer safety, ensure fairness, and uphold the integrity of the competition. A single positive test can result in disqualification and loss of […]

Digital pathology has enhanced the field of veterinary medicine. Specifically in diagnostic settings, digital components have increased accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility for both clients and diagnosticians. Julie Piccione, DVM, MS, DACVP, assistant agency director for clinical pathology at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, was recently invited by Veterinary Pathology, a leading publication […]

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 […]

Animal drug testing plays a critical role in promoting fairness, animal welfare, and consumer safety at livestock shows and other animal competitions. Similar to testing conducted in horse racing and other performance-based animal events, livestock shows test animals for substances that may enhance phenotypical traits. Samples such as urine, blood, hair, feathers, eyeballs, and feces […]

On Fourth of July, Americans gather to celebrate with food, family, and festivities — sometimes accompanied by their loyal canine companions. Excited and playful, dogs enjoy mingling with guests and often hope to nab a bite of human food during the cookout. A sneaky swipe from the table, a scoop from off the ground or […]

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 […]

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 […]

Zoonotic diseases are transmitted between animals and humans and can pose a significant threat to human health. It’s critical for veterinary clinic staff and TVMDL employees to handle animal samples in a way that minimizes the threat of zoonotic transmission. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, […]

Mastitis is a leading cause of reduced milk production in dairy herds, making it a costly health issue within the industry. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, can assist dairy owners in testing for mastitis that can help lead treatment and prevention.  Recognizing and addressing mastitis at early stages can mean the difference […]

Gastrointestinal, GI, parasites bring serious concern to equine health. Among the various types of parasites includes the most common nematodes from the Strongylidae family. In the last two years, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, has detected parasites in approximately 49% of equine fecal samples submitted for parasitology testing. Of this group, 45% […]

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 […]

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 […]

Diagnostic testing can answer a lot of questions. However incomplete, missing, or vague submission paperwork only leads to more questions, rather than answers. As soon as samples arrive at TVMDL, receiving staff immediately start the accessioning process to ensure testing can begin as soon as possible. Part of the accessioning process is manually reviewing and […]

Homesteads and other dairy goat operations are increasing in popularity, as demand for fresh, unique milk products continues to rise. Goat milk is used to make various products such as butter, desserts, soaps, and lotions. However, as the dairy goat industry grows, so does the expectation for herd health surveillance, which is closely correlated with […]

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 […]

As hurricane season ramps up in Texas, so do threats to livestock health. Beyond downed fences and flooded pastures, contaminated water can quietly set the stage for dangerous skin infections in cattle, horses, sheep and goats. June marks the start of hurricane season, and each year the southern United States experiences increasingly intense and frequent […]

It’s hot and getting hotter. Extreme temperatures will affect the condition of samples if not shipped properly. This may lead to delays in results if samples arrive at TVMDL in an untestable condition. TVMDL encourages clients to beat the heat when shipping samples this summer by following these best practices: For questions about shipping, visit […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, receives several inquiries related to bone biopsies. Randi Gold, VMD, PhD, DACVP, an anatomic pathologist for TVMDL, provides thorough explanations for six questions related to bone biopsies. Properly performed, bone biopsies offer valuable insights. The following questions will help broaden your understanding of this diagnostic tool: How […]

Clinical pathology testing is most of the widely used disciplines in diagnostics. As such, it’s imperative to ensure samples are submitted with the end goal in mind: quality results. Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Clinical Pathologist Dr. Yvonne Wikander recently published an article that covers best practices for submitting high-quality samples for clinical […]

As interest and awareness continues to grow, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, is reminding veterinary practitioners and animal owners about the available testing options for Chagas disease. Chagas disease, spread by a family of insects known as “kissing bugs”, is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. […]

The crisp, autumn air settles in after a long and hot Texas summer, but lurking beneath the excitement is the shadowy threat of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex, otherwise known as kennel cough. Cooler temperatures mean an increase in outbreaks as dogs spend more time indoors in close quarters and their immune systems weaken. […]

A sample’s journey from the clinic to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is unpredictable. Once a package enters the mail system, it’s likely to get tossed, turned, and bumped until it arrives at the laboratory. Knowing this, it’s imperative clients take steps to properly package samples to ensure they arrive safely and […]

Therapeutic drugs can significantly improve the quality of life in animals with painful or long-term illnesses. However, it’s critical to monitor the level of medication in an animal’s body to ensure the dosage is safe and effective. The bodily response to therapeutic drugs is particularly important to monitor in pets with chronic conditions, such as […]

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection, URI, is also known as “cat cold.” Similar to a cold in humans, infected cats show signs of sneezing, coughing, and eye and nose discharge. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, offers several testing options to support practitioners in early-stage detection and management.  Cats living in shelters or in […]

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 […]

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 options for assessing thyroid disorders. In addition to individual tests, TVMDL offers several panels specifically for canine, […]

Service and operational excellence are prominent standards held at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL. Taking the following steps, clients can help TVMDL staff provide the highest level of efficiency: Untestable samples  Oftentimes, problems are found at unboxing. TVMDL must halt the flow of unboxing and sample processing when a problem is identified. […]

Urinalysis remains one of the most valuable, cost-effective, and accessible diagnostic tools available to veterinarians. Urine samples can reveal early indicators of disease affecting the kidneys, urinary tract, and other organ systems. However, because urine is a particularly sensitive and unstable biological sample, proper collection, storage, and shipping are important to ensure accurate diagnostic results.  […]

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 […]