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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]