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 […]

Skin samples from a 9-year-old Siamese cat were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station. This cat was reported to clinically have a large, ulcerative lesion in the groin and on the back. Nearby areas were described to be alopecic and fissured. Two biopsy specimens were collected and submitted […]

Too often the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) receives samples where there is a concern for rabies testing but the brain tissue submitted is not suitable for testing by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in Austin. Usually the problem is an incomplete sample where only half the brain is submitted.  Less commonly, […]

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 […]

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 […]

Hematopoietic cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are produced and mature within the bone marrow, a semi-solid tissue that is found within cancellous or “spongy” bone. Bone marrow testing is used to diagnose and monitor bone marrow diseases and peripheral blood abnormalities. Indications for bone marrow examination could include persistent […]

A nine month old, spayed female, domestic cat became neurologic and was unresponsive to supportive treatment. Upon death, the head and three sections of liver were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for histopathologic evaluation and toxicology testing. Following a negative rabies test, a portion of fixed brain was examined and […]

A seven-year-old male, neutered, domestic short haired (DSH) cat was presented to a veterinarian for evaluation of chronic coughing and increased respiration of several months’ duration. A radiograph of the lungs showed a diffuse bronchial pattern. A trans-tracheal wash (TTW) was performed and the fluid was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory […]

Mammary gland masses from an approximately 7-month-old cat were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for histopathology. The cat was reported to have multiple mammary gland masses ranging from marble-sized to 6 cm wide. These masses had acute, rapid development and had doubled in size over a 2-week period. The cat […]

A 7-year-old, spayed female DLH cat was obtained as a stray.  She was noted to have mild hind limb dysmetria characterized by bunny hopping when sprinting.  She could jump and was stable when standing still.  The attending veterinarian tentatively diagnosed cerebellar hypoplasia, most likely due to in utero infection with feline parvovirus. The deficits progressed […]

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 […]

A one-month-old, Ragdoll kitten was presented for necropsy at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station after passing away subsequent to hospitalization for respiratory illness.  The kitten was part of a large commercial breeding operation where multiple kittens were experiencing similar clinical signs. The gross necropsy findings indicated that the cause […]

We are all familiar with the saying that “cats are not small dogs”.  This is true when it comes to feline heartworm disease. While dogs are the typical host for Dirofilaria immitis, cats do become infected with heartworms, but confirming the disease antemortem can be quite difficult. Since cats typically have such a small worm burden […]

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 […]

Bone biopsy specimens taken from an adult male castrated domestic feline were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for bacterial and fungal culture and histopathologic examination. The referring veterinarian stated that radiographs of the right hock and right radius and ulna indicated changes consistent with possible osteomyelitis or neoplasia. There were […]

Julie Piccione, DVM, MS, DACVP, clinical pathology section head, and Randi Gold, VMD, PhD, DACVP, veterinary pathologist, are among the experts who contributed to a journal article set to be published in the June issue of Virology. The article covers the frequency in which hepadnavirus is detected in blood and liver samples from domestic cats. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

An entire globe from an 8-year-old cat was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). The patient had a history of bilateral glaucoma, but the left eye recently became ulcerated, so enucleation was elected. On histopathology, lining the interior aspect of the globe and completely disrupting intraocular structures was a spindle cell […]

An amputated toe from an 11-year-old, female spayed, domestic shorthaired cat was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station for histopathology. This cat had multiple swollen nails on the front feet. Histologically, the distal phalangeal bone (P3) and nailbed were heavily infiltrated by neoplastic epithelial cells (Figure 1). In […]

Fumonisin B1 is the most prevalent of several fumonisin mycotoxins (B1, B2, B3) produced by Fusarium molds in corn. Corn contamination can occur at very high levels when permissive environmental conditions coincide with vulnerable points in corn kernel production. Equine Leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) Horses and other equids, as well as rabbits, are the most fumonisin-sensitive species. […]

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 […]

Feline herpesvirus is a highly transmissible, viral disease that is very common in cats. This disease is also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis and is included in core feline vaccines. Feline herpesvirus is frequently diagnosed at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). The most common laboratory methods of diagnosis include PCR and histopathology, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Two biopsy specimens from the pinnae of a 6-year-old, domestic shorthair cat from east-central Texas were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for histologic examination. This cat was reported to have red, raised, hemorrhagic masses on both pinnae which were removed with surgical excision. Histologically, there were three separate masses identified […]

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 […]

Commonly called “ringworm,” the public sometimes assumes a parasitic cause, but the veterinary community knows the cause is fungal — an important distinction when diagnosing and managing cases.    Dermatophytosis is one of the more common fungal infections veterinarians encounter, yet it can be deceptively tricky to diagnose and manage. Practitioners can rely on the Texas A&M Veterinary […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

Pulmonary toxoplasmosis was recently diagnosed in a stray, male tabby cat approximately 1-year-old. This cat was brought to a local veterinary clinic for lethargy and respiratory distress and died within 24 hours of treatment. A pneumonia was identified at necropsy and formalin-fixed samples of lung were sent to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) […]

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 […]

Testing for trichomoniasis is performed daily at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL). If submitted properly, a sample can be accurately and efficiently tested, and results reported to the submitting veterinarian in a timely manner.  All samples must be incubated 48 hrs (36-38°C) prior to rtPCR testing; please plan accordingly. Clearly indicate on […]

A male kitten was rescued by animal control and taken to a veterinary clinic for labored breathing, dehydration and severe jaundice. The kitten was euthanized and found to have petechial hemorrhaging and yellow fluid in the abdomen during the necropsy. Three days later, a tuna can with what appeared to be a suspect bright green […]

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 […]

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, […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) detected feline calicivirus (FCV) via qPCR in three cats who live in a multi-cat household. All cats had clinical signs consistent with feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) and tested negative for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses. Feline chronic gingivostomatitis is one of the most common clinical diseases […]

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) has expanded its Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) testing to now include cats. This offering was previously limited to testing in dogs, however TVMDL has validated the assay and interpretive thresholds to assist feline clients in assessing AMH concentrations. AMH is a protein hormone produced by Sertoli cells and […]

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, pathologist Josué Díaz-Delgado, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVP, and pathology resident Margaret Odom, DVM, recently co-authored a literature review examining high pathogenicity avian influenza, HPAI, subtype H5N1 infection in feline species.   This publication was the result of an international collaboration between scientists from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, […]

Two cats from two separate clinics were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) and were both diagnosed with hepatic amyloidosis. The whole body of the first cat was submitted for necropsy and histopathology. Formalin-fixed sections of liver, gallbladder, and kidney from the second cat were submitted for histopathology following a necropsy […]

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 […]

Canine Vaccine Panel (ELISA)This test detects antibodies to both canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus. This assay is utilized as a screening tool for vaccination status only, not determination of infection. Results are reported as “positive” or “negative”; a negative result indicates an animal should be re-vaccinated. Canine Distemper & Parvovirus Antibody Titer Panel (IFA […]

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 […]

An 11 year-old, spayed female, domestic longhaired cat was submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for necropsy.  The clinical history mentioned depression with periodic vomiting for 2 to 3 days.  The animal was given medication for the vomiting and died soon afterwards.  The primary lesion observed at necropsy was marked splenomegaly; the […]